Michigan State University CLS/MT Program

Daniel Edson Honored as MSU Distinguished Alumnus

Daniel Edson & Kathy Doig

Daniel Edson was honored in October as MSU Distinguished Alumnus. As a graduate student at MSU, Edson developed the first blood test for Legionnaires’ disease. After graduation, he established a virology serology laboratory at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. In 1980 he began his career in laboratory proficiency testing with the College of American Pathologists Computer Center in Traverse City. He developed special computer programs that helped to revise quality control practices in U.S. hospitals. His work helped hospitals save more than $50 million a year. In 1991 he co-founded American Proficiency Institute (API) while working out of his living room, garnering fewer than 100 customers. Today API boasts more than 12,000 customers. Three years ago, API developed a proficiency testing program for the food industry and its detection of such pathogens as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. Edson has supported a free medical clinic in Traverse City, MI as well as a science education module in the public schools. API is also providing a hospital laboratory in Kenya with free proficiency testing samples to assist with quality improvement. In 2002, Edson was named adjunct instructor for MSU’s Medical Technology Program and has previously been honored as Outstanding Alumnus of the MSU College of Natural Science.