Heather R. Totty- Werner
Heather Totty-Werner is a Staff Scientist at bioMérieux, where she specializes in medical diagnostics and the development of innovative tools to detect sepsis and reduce antimicrobial resistance by providing accurate susceptibility profiles. With more than a decade of experience in microbiology research and product development, Heather has led projects ranging from advanced studies on gut microbe interactions to immunoassays and direct bacterial identification from blood culture using mass spectrometry. Her work combines rigorous scientific methodology with a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through precise, reliable diagnostic technologies. Heather began her career in research role at TECHLAB, Inc., where she gained hands-on experience in Clostridium difficile diagnostics, protein purification, assay optimization, and creating publications. Over the years, she has successfully led multiple R&D projects, including collaborations with public health laboratories and hospitals in the U.S. and France, supporting FDA 510(k) submissions and CE validations for critical diagnostic devices. Her leadership extends to mentoring junior scientists, designing feasibility and optimization studies, coordinating verification and validation studies, and translating complex microbiological research into practical, patient-focused solutions. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology focusing on Molecular Epidemiology. She has also contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and holds a patent, underscoring her expertise in BSL-3 microbiology, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and microbial diagnostics. Dedicated to advancing public health through innovative science, Heather continues to focus on public health and the development of next-generation diagnostic tools that make a meaningful impact on patient care.
• Virginia Tech- M.S.
• American Society of Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases Society of America
What do you attribute your success to?
I recognize that my career path is shaped by the experiences and knowledge shared by those who walked this path before me. My success stems from the support and guidance I’ve received from colleagues, mentors, and collaborators throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's so very easy to get stuck on the small things. Whenever you are faced with challenges or setbacks, step back and try to see the issue from a 40 foot view. Having the ability to see the whole landscape of whatever is challenging you provides a better perspective to tackle the situation.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Many women feel pressure to meet the social expectations of caregiving, emotional labor, and household coordination on top of a demanding career. Recognize that saying "no" is not a sign failure or defeat. Boundaries are not selfish; they are essential infrastructure for success. Your time is precious.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Creating effective point of care medical diagnostics while maintaining a competitive price point is a challenge for all developers of medical diagnostics. Advanced diagnostics (genetic/molecular tests) are becoming more widely available but they often come with high costs and limited insurance coverage which puts them out of reach for many. Unfortunately this means some easily treatable issues progress into something more serious and ironically, drive up healthcare costs even more.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are honesty, accountability, and using data/available information to drive my decisions.
Locations
bioMérieux
100 Rodolphe Street, Durham, NC 27712