From technologist to director, discover Rova’s journey in laboratory science at Northwell Health

At Northwell Health, our clinical laboratory team members work behind the scenes, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate information to our physicians so our patients can make informed healthcare decisions. Read on to learn more about Rova Lee-Huang, a Truly Ambitious director of clinical laboratory operations at Huntington Hospital.

Rova began her career journey at Northwell Health in 2012 as a clinical laboratory technologist at North Shore University Hospital’s (NSUH) molecular pathology laboratory. In this role, she extracted and analyzed DNA and RNA, and utilized advanced technology to aid physicians and other laboratory experts in disease diagnosis. This led Rova to her next role as a clinical laboratory technologist specialist in 2016, where she designed and optimized workflows for genetic testing. She also ensured high quality and accuracy standards, and trained and mentored other technologists. In 2017, Rova also had the opportunity to represent Northwell and present to the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

In 2018, Rova advanced in her position and began working as a clinical laboratory lead technologist. In this position, Rova trained and mentored molecular technologists and students who in a clinical laboratory technologist program completed their clinical rotation at NSUH. She monitored the lab’s quality control activities, and assisted in managing inventory and other laboratory resources.

Three years later, in 2021, Rova took her career to the next level as she began working as a manager of the clinical laboratory quality in laboratory administration at NSUH. In this role, Rova set the quality standard for all lab tests, ensured all federal and state regulations were followed, monitored lab processes, developed and updated quality policies, and provided guidance to laboratory team members on quality practices. Her work ensured accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results for Northwell’s patients. The experience and coaching Rova received from her director at NSUH prepared her for growth into a director role. In 2024, the opportunity became available at Huntington Hospital’s laboratory, and Rova decided to transfer to Huntington Hospital and take on the challenge of what is now her current role, director of clinical laboratory operations at Huntington Hospital. As the director of clinical laboratory operations, Rova coordinates with various hospital disciplines to ensure that the laboratory’s services meet patients’ needs. She also works closely with the laboratory medical director to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the priorities of Huntington Hospital, hospital administration and other Northwell Health laboratories across the health system.

Since joining Northwell, Rova has leveraged resources and opportunities to advance her career. She completed leadership development courses at Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation. Rova also participated in the Northwell Health Essentials of Leadership program and was invited to the North Shore University Hospital GROW group for growing leaders. “I have always been fortunate to have leaders who have supported my growth,” said Rova. “The materials covered in all these development programs helped me advance in my career.” Rova was also enrolled in the 2025 cohort for the Asian Management Accelerator Program through McKinsey Academy. She completed the program in August and reflected on how it was a great way to network with other leaders.

Rova is passionate about how she can contribute to support the mission of continuously improving Northwell Health’s clinical laboratory services. She takes pride in being part of an organization that represents high quality care for patients, and attributes her success to guided conversations with her leaders who’ve supported her along her career journey.

Discover a career well cared for in clinical laboratory with Northwell Health today.