Latrecia D. Stubbs has built a distinguished career as a microbiologist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Jefferson, Arkansas. Since 2011, Ms. Stubbs has played a critical role in ensuring the safety of food and cosmetics entering the United States for human and animal consumption. Her responsibilities include detecting harmful bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, and staph through meticulous testing processes. By adhering to established protocols, entering data accurately, and ensuring compliance with FDA policies, Ms. Stubbs demonstrates a commitment to public health and safety that has defined her career.
Ms. Stubbs’s academic achievements provided the foundation for her success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alcorn State University after completing an Associate of Arts in Biology at Meridian Community College. Her education equipped her with a deep understanding of biology and prepared her to navigate the complex field of food microbiology. In addition to her degrees, Ms. Stubbs holds a level 1 certification as a microbiology analyst, a credential that highlights her expertise and dedication to her field.
Ms. Stubbs’ career trajectory reflects her determination to excel beyond conventional expectations for biology degree holders. Despite being advised that her options were limited to careers in medicine, physical therapy, or teaching, Ms. Stubbs forged her own path. She began her career as a water treatment chemist at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi, ensuring the quality of water used in nuclear processes. She later transitioned to a role as a microbiologist at the Glen F. Baker Public Health Laboratory under the Arkansas Department of Health, where she conducted microbiological testing that contributed to public health initiatives.
Ms. Stubbs has also held positions as a pharmacy technician and substitute high school biology teacher, which broadened her perspective and enriched her understanding of biology’s applications in various fields. These experiences, combined with her technical expertise, positioned her for long-term success with the FDA. Notably, her tenure at the FDA represents a personal milestone, as she has maintained her passion and commitment in a role for more than a decade—an accomplishment she takes great pride in, given her history of seeking new challenges after shorter periods in previous jobs. Her journey also includes cross-training in the sensory field within the FDA’s chemistry department. This specialized area, distinct from her microbiology expertise, involves calibrating sensory analysts’ perceptions of scents through annual training. Although sensory analysis is not her primary focus, Ms. Stubbs values the unique skills she has gained from this role, which contribute to the broader mission of the FDA.
Among her career highlights, Ms. Stubbs fondly recalls her first year at the FDA, when she attended an intensive three-week course on the Food and Drug Act in Newport, Rhode Island. This experience not only deepened her understanding of FDA regulations but also allowed her to build a network with colleagues from across the country, some of whom remain close friends. She treasures these connections and views them as a vital aspect of her career. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Stubbs dedicates time to civic engagement and community service. She participates in organizations such as Angel Tree and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, serves as a board member of the FBI Citizens Academy in Little Rock, and contributes to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the Junior League of Little Rock. Her involvement reflects her commitment to fostering leadership and making a positive impact beyond her workplace.
Ms. Stubbs balances her professional and community responsibilities with her personal life. She has been married to Patrick Stubbs since 2007, and together they have a daughter, Mallory. In her leisure time, she enjoys shopping and reading. Looking to the future, Ms. Stubbs aspires to transition into a management position within her field while exploring opportunities that would bring her family closer to home, ensuring greater flexibility and support for her daughter. Ms. Stubbs has exemplified determination, excellence, and a commitment to public health. Her journey serves as a testament to the diverse possibilities that a biology degree can offer and to her unwavering dedication to proving that she could chart a path uniquely her own.