WE MADE THE HONOR ROLL
MLABS DELIVERS CONFIDENCE
MLabs is a full-service reference laboratory, with more than 35 years’ experience providing state-of-the-science tools and expertise to help clinicians and patients choose the right clinical path.
MLabs is part of Michigan Medicine – one of the largest hospital systems in the world, and one of the best – ranked in the top 20 hospitals in the nation and #1 in the state by U.S. News and World Report.
MLabs’ hybrid model combines the scientific rigor and proactive infrastructure investment of a leading academic research institution with the efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness of a private reference lab.
MLabs connects pathologists, clinicians, health systems and commercial laboratories with the next-generation testing modalities and consultative support needed to meet the challenges of personalized, precision medicine.
MLabs offers the uncompromised credibility and integrity of Michigan Medicine’s Department of Pathology Laboratories at one of the nation’s top academic medical centers. For your convenience, we have posted all of our certifications and accreditations.
MLabs shares the institution's commitment to applying established quality principles to clinical laboratory testing. Like other large organizations in complex, consequential fields, we rely on an established approach to monitor quality throughout the testing process.
The majority of Michigan Medicine’s pathology enterprise – including MLabs, now occupies 146,000 square feet configured with lean facility design principles located at the North Campus Research Complex, located about 4.5 miles from the main hospital campus.
THE MEANING
BEHIND OUR WORK
OUR MISSION
Meeting the needs of today’s patients by delivering the highest quality laboratory results in a cost-effective manner, offering:
- A complete menu of the laboratory tests that drive personalized medicine, including state-of-the-science molecular diagnostic and interpretive services
- Nationally-recognized faculty, easily accessible for consultation
- On-time delivery of effective, comprehensive reports
- Dedication to creating and supporting strategic pathology partnerships
OUR VISION
Driving tomorrow’s health care solutions with state-of-the-science, personalized laboratory information and consultation.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Julia Dahl, M.D.
MLabs Co-Director Business Outreach
Julia Dahl, M.D. has served MLabs since 2016: first as Associate Director, then assuming the helm of MLabs as Director in 2023. To support growth and highest-quality of services for MLabs' clients and patients, Dr. Dahl has focused her role on client engagement, business outreach, market intelligence and business strategy. Business Outreach brings the Michigan Medicine Department of Pathology faculty expertise, testing menu, new testing modalities and incorporating advanced technologies to clinicians and patients in Michigan, the region and beyond.
Dr. Dahl is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology with special expertise in immunohistochemistry, GI/liver and placental pathology. Dr. Dahl’s current academic interests include molecular and immunologic mechanisms involved in various pathologies of the placenta, educational methods in pathology and ancillary methods in precision diagnostics.
Before joining the Michigan Medicine Department of Pathology and MLabs, Dr. Dahl spent fifteen years in private practice. After several years focused on GI/liver pathology in high-volume specialty laboratories and then founded the Mosaic Companies including Mosaic Pathology Consultants (a hospital based pathology practice serving the Memphis, TN community), Mosaic GI-Hepatic Pathology Services (a specialty GI pathology practice serving gastroenterologists in the US) and DxOptim, LLC. DxOptim, LLC is a manufacturer of quality control materials for immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and histochemical stain procedures; relocating to Michigan with Dr. Dahl.
As a physician leader, academician and entrepreneur, Dr. Dahl brings a unique perspective to the MLabs leadership team.
Brian Harry, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Director, Internal Operations
Brian Harry, M.D., Ph.D., is a clinical pathologist with a background in biomedical engineering and molecular biology. He is focused on integrating MLabs with clinical, anatomic, and specialty areas across the department. His leadership centers on strengthening internal processes, building relationships, and ensuring that MLabs’ testing expertise is available to patients both within and outside Michigan Medicine.
As MLabs and Michigan Medicine continue to grow, Dr. Harry aims to meet the challenge of scaling laboratory services while supporting faculty and staff. He is particularly focused on resourcing, space, and workforce development needed to support clinical enterprise growth.
He is also committed to exploring new testing modalities and incorporating advanced technologies—such as digital pathology and AI-based solutions—into operations. These innovations aim to enhance patient care, strengthen faculty expertise, and position MLabs at the forefront of translational pathology.
Dr. Harry’s training includes an M.D./Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, residency at Harvard/Mass General Hospital, and a healthcare innovation fellowship at Partners Healthcare. He was also a Senior Associate at Third Rock Ventures where he helped to launch several biotech startups focused on development of novel therapies. Prior to joining Michigan Medicine, he served on the faculty in the Department of Pathology at the University of Colorado, where he also helped to launch a saliva diagnostics company for which he served as Chief Laboratory Officer and Chief Medical Officer.
Deirdre Fidler, MHSA., B.S., MT(ASCP)
Division Administrative Manager
Deirdre Fidler provides strategic planning and managerial oversight for MLabs’ administrative and operational activities. She has held a variety of roles in the MLabs division, including contracting, billing and finance, client services, and operations.
Fidler’s 30+ year career with the University of Michigan began as a Medical Technologist. She joined MLabs in 1995 after earning a master’s degree in health service administration from the U-M School of Public Health.
Karla Bialk, M.S. MT(ASCP)
Business Development Manager
Karla Bialk leads MLabs’ business development team, responsible for strategic planning and initiatives related to growing business volume and expanding our geographic reach.An accomplished healthcare executive with an impressive record of success, Karla is committed to inspiring teams, maximizing talent and championing continuous improvement.
Prior to joining MLabs, Karla served in various leadership roles at Ascension-Providence Health System (formerly St. John Health), including Business Development Director and Core Lab Director, after gaining significant hands-on experience, first as a medical technologist and then a client services representative, supervisor, specialist and manager.
NEWS & EVENTS
Lanbo Xiao, PhD: Research Faculty Recognition Award
Lanbo Xiao, PhD, of the Department of Pathology was recently awarded for his notable contributions in the areas of teaching, mentoring, service, and scholarship at the Faculty Award Celebration on October 30, 2025.
From Health Lab: Researchers find a targeted approach to shut down prostate cancer growth
Prostate cancer relies on genetic “switches”, called enhancers, that can turn on tumor-promoting genes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have discovered histone H2B N-terminal acetylation (H2BNTac), an essential chemical mark of these enhancers.
From Patient Mysteries to Breakthroughs: Dr. Kejian Zhang’s Lifelong Mission
The Department of Pathology is home to world-class faculty from around the world. One of these is Dr. Kejian Zhang, clinical professor and director of the molecular genetics laboratory in the Division of Genetics and Genomics. Zhang originally came to the United States to learn how to perform clinical research. “I started at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital performing research in the Hematology Oncology department. I was there for seven or eight years before I started my fellowship in human genetics.