CytoLab Director

CytoLab, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA

Scientific Interest and Avenues for Collaboration:
Combining expertise in high-dimensional cytomics with leadership training in international alliances, I lead large research initiatives and bridge gaps between investigators, administrators, institutional officials, and executives. With over a decade of research and five years of management experience, I direct teams on high-value projects from launch through reporting. I am passionate about overcoming barriers to ensure responsible data storage and sharing for multicenter collaborations. Additionally, I am dedicated to advancing innovative approaches in data analysis, tool development, and training.

Participation / Support of ISAC (This can be your involvement on a committee(s), CYTO conference involvement etc.):
• Member of ISAC
• Attended CYTO annual conference 2022-2024
• Presented scientific talks at CYTO 2023 & 2024
• Flow Repository Workshop in upcoming CYTO 2025
• Flow Repository Task Force
• Cyto Innovation Committee
• Cyto Data Committee

Website/LinkedIn Profile Link:
www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-grider-hayes-b55a65158

• In a few words tell us about yourself
I hold an undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and have nearly a decade of research experience. I trained as a staff member in Jonathan Irish’s laboratory as well as the Cancer Immunology Core, a high dimensional shared resource out of Vanderbilt. Despite my dual training in academic and shared resource settings, I found myself repeatedly drawn to the innovative and business approaches. I am currently in the last semester of an international executive MBA which has allowed me to expand my thinking. I am eager to merge my scientific background with my executive education and I think the innovator leadership development program will be invaluable in fostering this.
• What inspired you to apply to the LDP or what are you looking forward to with the LDP?
Observing ISAC and its community over the past few years has been incredibly enlightening. The cytometry community has shaped my scientific journey, and I am excited to give back while continuing to learn from it. I aim to innovate how we use our data by expanding its reach. I look forward to the challenge of updating Flow Repository and developing tools that enhance our field’s impact.
• How did you get into Cytometry?
I think it’s kind of fun that I have never done a western blot. My undergraduate degree is in engineering, and I had not worked in a traditional wet lab setting. My biology research career began in Jonathan Irish’s lab with mass cytometry. I learned mass cytometry, followed by spectral cytometry, then traditional flow in a sort of backwards order.