About the Speakers

Florian Mair - Scientific Director of Flow Cytometry Core Facility, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Florian is currently working as the Scientific Director of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility and Senior Scientist Immunology at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. After graduating with an MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Vienna, he received his PhD in Molecular Life Sciences from the University of Zurich in 2014, and spent several years at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, USA. During the past decade, he has been involved extensively with different high-dimensional cytometry platforms as well as scRNA-sequencing techniques, including multi-omic methods. His main scientific interests are the function of dendritic cells and T cells in non-lymphoid tissues during health and disease, teaching best practices in cytometry and developing new flow cytometry panels and approaches.

Webinar Summary

To understand the function of the human immune system it is imperative to capture as much information as possible from often size-limited human samples. To do so, we have developed the first 50-color spectral flow cytometry panel to comprehensively study the functional state of the human immune system in PBMCs and tissue samples. The panel contains lineage markers for all major immune cell subsets, and an extensive set of phenotyping markers focused on the activation and differentiation status of the T cell and dendritic cell (DC) compartment. The panel has also been tested to be suitable for cell sorting, which allows very fine-grained isolation of immune subsets utilizing 50 markers at the same time. 

To establish such a complex panel, we utilized a new metric termed unmixing spreading error, that evaluates the fluorochrome-specific increase in background that is inherently generated when unmixing highly complex panels. In this presentation we show the systematic workflow we used to develop the panel, how we evaluated panel performance, and how OMIP-102 was developed to its final state.

Learning Objectives

Panel Design, Spreading Error, Unmixing, OMIP design

Who Should Attend

Everyone interested in high-dimensional flow cytometry panels and OMIP-102n

CMLE Credit: 1.0

About the Speakers

Kathy Daniels - Clinical Biomarker Flow Cytometry Lead, Sana Biotechnology, Inc 

Kathy currently works to provide support on flow cytometry experimental design and oversight for global clinical trials. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the MetroFlow regional cytometry group and volunteers within multiple committees for the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry. In the past she has worked in both pharmaceutical and academic settings in the capacity of a flow cytometry shared resource facility where she supported end users in experimental design, education, experimental education and interpretation of data. Prior employees include The Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Derek Davies - Cytometry Trainer, Educator and Consultant, Derek Davies Cytometry

Derek has been involved in Cytometry for over 40 years. He first used cytometry to measure DNA content in cervical cells but quickly realised the power of the technology. For 25 years he ran a Flow Cytometry SRL at the London Research Institute and then the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK. In that time he trained thousands of users and also developed the careers of SRL staff. In 2018, he became the Science Technology Platform Training Lead at the Francis Crick Institute where he developed training for users external to the Institute. In 2023, he transitioned to semi-retirement but is still active in education, training and consultancy. He is current Chair of flowcytometryUK, sits on the Cytometry Committee of the Royal Microscopical Society and is a former ISAC Councilor.

Webinar Summary
 •          Introductions
•          Start w/ importance of training - rigor and reproducibility
•          Responsibilities of the SRL in training and education
•          Bottlenecks and challenges faced when handling training internally at an SRL
•          What are the outsourcing options?
•          Theory, practical, in person, virtual, core curriculum
•          Vendor based training (on site vs virtual)
•          Free & Paid Training Resources (benefits vs limitations)
•          Annual Training Courses Examples
•          How to evaluate these training courses?
•          Metrices for evaluation
•          How can this be done before you commit to one (or more) solutions?

Learning Objectives
In this webinar we hope to have everyone leave with a better understanding of why training and education is so critical and how to evaluate training opportunities that are available outside the SRL. As part of this, we will share what some options are, and how to evaluate them and their effectiveness.

Who Should Attend

SRL managers, staff and users of shared resource laboratories. Users of flow cytometry technologies or anyone who is interested in flow cytometry education

CMLE Credit: 1.0

Why can't they play nicely? Navigating unexpected challenges in designing new flow cytometry panels and expanding existing ones - Anna C. Belkina, MD, PhD & Kelly Lundsten

Think Like an Engineer – Early Detection and Troubleshooting of Cytometer Problems - Rachael Sheridan, PhD SCYM (ASCP)CM & Matthew Goff 

A Beginner's Guide to Computational Cytometry: From Algorithms to Applications - Sofie Van Gassen

Label-Free Imaging and High Dimensional Analysis - Peter O'Toole, PhD & Karen Hogg, PhD

Assay Design and Standardization: What Can Researchers Learn From Clinical and Vice Versa? - Lyana Setiawan, MD, PhD, Paul Hutchinson, Paresh Jain

Image Cytometry Analysis Using AI Techniques - Aida Meghraoui, PhD, PharmD & Polat Goktas, PhD

About the Speaker

David Leclerc

Director, CAT Facility at the University of Chicago

David Leclerc is the Director of the Cytometry and Antibody Technology (CAT) Facility at the University of Chicago. With over 20 years of expertise in the field, David is passionate about implementing cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovative multi-media solutions to encourage its adoption within the research community. Beyond his role at the University of Chicago, David is a tenured member of the GLIIFCA Board of Directors, President of the Chicago User Group, Creator of the FixYourFlowDepot (a video repository on cytometry maintenance and repair), and host of the ChUG Podcast.

Webinar Summary

An important function of a shared service laboratory (SRL) is the promotion of novel technologies for the benefit of the research community. This webinar introduces a systematic method to help SRL’s optimize their efforts when advertising new instruments/services within their facility. The GSTIC approach (Goal/Strategy/Tactics/Implementation/Control) allows SRLs to design a methodical approach to identify objectives/tactics, and most importantly, a clear set of expectations to evaluate the success of your strategies.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding the GSTIC Approach: Participants will gain knowledge about the GSTIC approach and its application in increasing the value of services within a Shared Service Laboratory (SRL).

2. Applying GSTIC for Marketing Goals: Participants will learn how different components of the daily activities within an SRL can be utilized to support marketing objectives, emphasizing practical application.

3. Exploring Communication Channels: Participants will gain insights into the various communication channels that exist between an SRL and its users. This includes an examination of the pros and cons associated with different options, fostering a comprehensive understanding of effective communication strategies within an SRL context

Who Should Attend: SRL Managers and Staff

CMLE Credit: 1.0

About the Speaker

Caroline E. Roe, MLI
Managing Director, Cancer and Immunology Core
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

Ms. Roe received her B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Master of Laboratory Investigation from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has managed the Mass Cytometry Center of Excellence since its inception in 2017. As director of the Cancer and Immunology Core at Vanderbilt, her focus is on increasing both the standardization and accessibility of cutting-edge cytometry techniques for application across a broad range of basic and translational research projects.  

Webinar Summary
This webinar aims to give an experience-driven overview of considerations for choosing the appropriate high dimensional flow cytometry technology for a project as well as guidance for those who have experience in one technology and are transitioning to the other.

Learning Objectives
Attendees will leave the webinar with a strong foundation in high dimensional cytometry principles and applications, as well as sufficient working knowledge to select the appropriate technology for their study.  

Who Should Attend: Users who are interested in high-dimensional cytometry of any kind. 

CMLE Credit: 1.0

About the Speaker

Kylie Price
Chief Technology Officer
New Castle University
Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

Kylie Price is the Chief Technology Officer at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research with 20 years’ experience providing strategic, scientific, and operational direction in multidisciplinary environments.  Kylie has strong stakeholder management and engagement skills and has attracted more than $35m of philanthropic funding over the past 12 years, supporting the creation of a distinguished centre of research excellence, the Hugh Green Cytometry Centre (HGCC).  Kylie leads a team of twelve highly skilled staff scientists in providing support to over 90 scientists at the Malaghan Institute.  The HGCC provides access to cutting-edge technology platforms (including full spectrum flow cytometry, histology, bioimaging, data science, molecular biology and mRNA for pre-clinical vaccine development), and she advises multiple research groups and companies both nationally and abroad. Kylie also has a strong leadership track-record, organizing high-profile networking events, such as CYTOAsia Singapore 2017, and directing international organizations, such as the Australasian Cytometry Society of which she is former President (2015-2016).  Kylie is a two-time NZ Woman of Influence Awards (2014 and 2018) finalist and finalist of the 2021 NZ High Tech Awards.  She was the first New Zealander elected to the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) Council (2018-2020) and is currently serving as Chair of the Governance Committee and Secretary of ISAC (2020-2024).  In April 2023 Kylie was selected to join the NZ OnBoard Program and is currently a board observer for Orbis Diagnostics.

Webinar Summary

This webinar will cover an overview of Kylie’s career path and provide examples of how she promotes equity, employee engagement and participation within her team.  She will cover the SRL Career Progression Framework she developed with others at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and discuss how she encourages the appropriate recognition of SRLs and SRL staff scientists in publication. There will be a Q+A session and we hope for lots of questions and engagement.

Learning Objectives

1. New ideas for how to increase SRL staff engagement and participation 
2. A guideline to follow for the appropriate recognition of SRLs and SRL staff scientists in publication
3. An example of a non-traditional career path to Chief Technology Officer
4. Strategies for promoting equity in the workplace

Who Should Attend: Scientists who manage teams (PIs, researchers, SRL managers), SRL staff scientists, women in STEM, scientists interested in topics related to equity and inclusion.

CMLE Credit: 1.0

Veronica Nash, PhD
US Regional Head of Flow Cytometry
Cerba Research

Veronica earned her B.Sc and M.Sc in Medical Biotechnologies from “Tor Vergata” and from “Sapienza” University, respectively, in Rome, Italy. She continued her training at Ghent University, Belgium where she received her PhD in Medical Sciences. After her PhD, she joined Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC where she leveraged her knowledge in virology and immunology with her Flow Cytometry expertise to identify host cofactors in the immune cell which are involved in HIV and HTLV infection. Afterwards, she moved to Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, and as a staff scientist she optimized a Flow Cytometry method to identify protein mutants to be used as a target in precision medicine for Cystic Fibrosis. Veronica’s career in industry started at Wuxi Apptec where she developed Flow Cytometry assays for QC of drug therapy products, such as CAR-T cells and TILs. Then she joined Labcorp Drug development (Covance) as a staff scientist where she focused on Flow cytometry assay validation, data review and instrument implementation. Currently, as the US Regional Head of Flow Cytometry department at Cerba Research, she is the scientific lead for high-parameters Flow Cytometry; in the last year, she led a global team through the implementation and harmonization of Cytek Aurora instruments across multiple sites. Veronica is also an active member of ISAC and ICCS; currently she is the leader of a working group which aims at promoting CLSI H62 guidelines education within the Flow Cytometry community.

Tania Nevers
Senior Principal Scientist
Bristol Myers and Squibb

Tania earned her B.Sc and M.Sc in Biology from St John’s University, Queens NY before receiving her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Brown University in Providence, RI. Following her Ph.D., Tania pursued a postdoctoral training at Tuft’s University where her work combined areas of immunology, vascular biology and cardiac physiology to study several aspects of adaptive immunity in diverse inflammatory settings. She then moved on to a Contract Research Organization, Flowmetric Inc, where she served as a  Scientist and then Project Manager. Her primary responsibility was to design, review and execute complex flow cytometry experiments in both preclinical and clinical studies for client sponsored projects. She then transitioned to the large Pharmaceutical Industry where she currently resides as a Senior Principal Scientist at Bristol Myers and Squibb. She primarily works on high order assay development, validation and implementation, and is the subject matter expert for Cytek Aurora implementation across BMS, including integration and harmonization activities.   

When not at work, Tania enjoys spending quality time with family as well as listening to music, dancing and gardening. 

About the webinar:

The use of Spectral Flow Cytometry allows for a deeper characterization of immune subsets (immune profiling) than conventional flow cytometry and is more valuable with limited patient samples in biomarker discovery in drug development. This webinar describes how to implement and standardize Cytek Aurora instruments and how to design, develop, and validate 30+ parameters panels that can be successfully utilized in clinical trials.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to implement and standardize Cytek Aurora instruments
• Understand how to validate an assay for 30+ colors on a spectral instrument to use in clinical trials
• Learn solutions on challenges such as reference controls, unmixing strategies and experimental sept up when implementing a high-parameter assay for global clinical trials 

CMLE Credit: 1.0

Evan Jellison
Associate Professor & Director of Flow Cytometry
UCONN School of Medicine

Kristen Reifel
Vaccine Research Center
NIAID/NIH

Benjamin Fontes, MPH, CBSP
Biosafety Officer
Yale University Environmental Health & Safety

Avrill Aspland
Operations Coordinator
Sydney Cytometry

About the webinar:

This webinar will be an open discussion with members of the ISAC Biosafety Committee to share experiences of biosafety and how we work to seek continual improvements in our shared resource laboratories.  We will discuss the strategies we use to identify priorities, initiate improvements, and embed new ways of doing things.  We will also respond to biosafety-related questions submitted through a pre-webinar survey and to questions and comments submitted in real time through a live Q&A. Please complete the pre-webinar survey sent to your email!

CMLE Credit: 1.0

The Journey of Achieving High Standards in Multiparametric Flow Cytometry Data By Maria Jaimes

About the Presenter

Maria Jaimes
VP Scientific Commercialization
Cytek Biosciences 

Dr. Maria Jaimes earned her MD degree at the Universidad Javeriana in Colombia (South America). Dr. Jaimes completed her postdoctoral training at Stanford University in the department of Microbiology and Immunology. During her postdoc, she worked at characterizing the immune responses to both rotavirus and influenza viruses after natural infection and immunization. In 2005, Dr. Jaimes joined BD Biosciences.  While at BD, Maria worked in different aspects of quality assurance and standardization of flow cytometry assays. Since 2015, Maria has been working at Cytek Biosciences and is part of the R&D team who developed the Aurora Full Spectrum Cytometer. Dr. Jaimes has overseen the instrument characterization, verification and development of multicolor applications. Besides her responsibilities within the R&D team, Dr. Jaimes leads the Technical Applications Support team worldwide

Webinar Summary

Dr. Jaimes will discuss her career in flow cytometry with emphasis on her work around standardization of flow cytometry assays and development of multicolor assays.  Dr. Jaimes will also discuss her journey of applying her knowledge in multicolor flow cytometry into the development of a new technology while working at a start-up, with the motivation of contributing to the generation of high-quality data. Maria will discuss the challenges faced by those dedicated to disseminating best practices in flow cytometry and the role that both academia and industry should play at enforcing those.

CMLE Credit: 1.0

About the Speaker

Andrew Filby, PhD
Director of the Newcastle University Flow Cytometry and Single Cell Technologies Shared Resource Laboratory
New Castle University

Dr. Filby is currently the director of the Newcastle University Flow Cytometry and Single Cell Technologies Shared Resource Laboratory. He also leads the “Innovation, Methodology and Application” (IMA) crosscutting research Theme in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS), where he oversees about 350 members from different technology and methodology backgrounds that includes both academic and technical job families. Dr. Filby is also a director of the Newcastle University Centre of Research Excellence (NUCoRE) in Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Filby and his team have an active program of research that includes the development of novel methods for single cell analysis and evaluating new technologies. He publishes in high-impact journals such as Science and Nature and sits on several funding panels for equipment grants. He recently won the Times Higher Education (THE) “Outstanding Technician of the Year” in 2021 for his work on breaking down barriers and establishing parity of esteem for non-academic researchers.

Webinar Summary

In this webinar Dr. Filby will discuss how the “Shared Resource Laboratory” (SRL) can be a catalyst for establishing a culture of team science, inclusivity, and health research culture. He will also discuss his role as lead of the “Innovation, Methodology and Application” (IM) cross-cutting research theme within the faculty of medical sciences at Newcastle University. Dr. Filby will also address the imbalance that sometimes exists between academic and technical job families and how he has worked via the “Innovation, Methodology and Innovation” (IMA) research Theme that he leads to try and overcome this.

Learning Objectives

• How the shared resource laboratory (SRL) can be a catalyst and “rally point” for team science and a healthy research culture.
• How the right attitudes to research culture can create an inclusive and effective environment for success.
• How technology and methodology expertise can drive discovery and impact.

Who Should Attend

• Anyone working in or interested in working in an SRL.
• Anyone interested in or involved in team science.

CMLE Credit: 1.0