Lab Design Conference Speaker Profile: Dwayne Henry

Dwayne Henry, instructional lab manager of chemical and biological sciences at Montgomery College-Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus in Maryland

Dwayne Henry, instructional lab manager of chemical and biological sciences at Montgomery College-Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus in Maryland, will be speaking at the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver, CO. Dwayne’s presentation, “Wait, This Isn't What We Asked For: Lessons Learned from an End User's Perspective,” scheduled for May 12 at 9:45 am, will share his insights and experiences from the design, renovation, and construction of Montgomery College's new Leggett Science Building.

The session will provide valuable communication strategies for effective collaboration among all members of a lab project team, while addressing the challenges lab managers and end users often encounter throughout the process. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the various roles and responsibilities involved in a lab build or renovation project, along with practical strategies for navigating obstacles like supply chain disruptions and other delays.

Lab Design News spoke with Dwayne about helpful tips to optimize your current lab space, his familial ties to his favorite vacation spot, and what keeps him coming back to the Lab Design Conference. Register now to secure your conference ticket so you don’t miss this valuable session! 

Q: How is your Lab Design Conference talk particularly relevant to today’s laboratory design landscape? 

A: The purpose of my talk is to enable participants the ability to see an end user’s perspective on various ways to avoid potential problems, starting with the design process all the way through the completion of construction. This will be done by using my most recent experience during the creation of Montgomery College’s new Leggett Science and Math Building. By getting an end user perspective, other end users will know what to look out for, what questions to ask throughout the process, and just as importantly what potential situations to look out for after the complete turnover of the building. Additionally, those who are involved in the process but are not end users will learn ways to have constructive communication so all involved will have a level of comfortability throughout the process by knowing what is wanted, expected, and deliverable. Attendees will leave with the knowledge of lessons learned: what happened, why it happened, and how it could have been avoided (if avoidance was needed).

Q: What are some key takeaways that attendees can expect from your session, and how can they apply these lessons to their own lab projects?  

A: One of the key takeaways is why it is so important to not only stay in constant communication with the end users throughout the whole process, but to also take what they are saying into heavy consideration during the designing process all the way through the construction. Also, that the communication should involve everyone (or a representative from each area), including project managers. It will show how everything starts with communication and inclusion, and how communication and inclusion (or lack thereof) can greatly enhance, or inhibit, the success of the project.

Q: What are your top tips for lab users to optimize their current lab space, without undergoing a new build or a major renovation?

A: My top tips would be to be flexible and stay knowledgeable. There are things such as changes in work flow to new products that may allow you to get around some of the issues of needing a new building or renovation. This is something that I had to deal with for years before our new science building was completed. Though it may not have always been 100 percent ideal, it was more than adequate.

Q: Can you share a case study or real-world example that you’ll be discussing during your Lab Design Conference talk, and how it reflects current trends in lab design?

A: From a teaching lab perspective, I will talk about the balance between trends and needs, as well as the importance of the end user to speak up for what he/she/they think is/are necessary as well as what happened when individuals at my institution did or did not stand his/her/their ground.  

Q: Why is it important for professionals involved in lab design and operations to attend your session, and how will it help them stay ahead of industry trends?

A: I believe that it is important because it will help professionals understand that there has to be a balance between industry trends and the needs of the end users. End users will also get a better understanding of the year-long process it may take before they are truly settled into their new building. There can be a misconception that just because you are moving into a new building everything will be perfect. Patience is very key. 

Q: What is one important “soft skill” that all lab design experts should have?

A: Communication, communication, communication. Did I say communication? 😊

Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

A: I love music and working out. It’s great to be able to combine the two. I also enjoy cooking and baking a lot as well, and it’s great to be able to combine the music and cooking to be able to relax. Lastly, I love working with children (newborns and up) in any capacity possible (coaching sports, intro science classes, etc.). 

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot? 

A: Montserrat in the West Indies. It’s the island that my mother is from. Although I have not been there in a while, I still have vivid, found memories from there. I hope to go back soon and take my family with me. Other than that, my favorite vacation spot is almost anywhere a cruise will take me!

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Lab Design Conference?

A: Of course, the knowledge obtained is essential, however it’s not just about the knowledge/information that is available, but the wide array of topics that are now available at the conference. There is truly something there now for the industry veteran to the new end user who is in the process of having a new lab built. The vendor fair is great as well!

Register today to secure your ticket!