I am the Director of Scientific Operations at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) in Australia where I oversee nine SRLs including cytometry, imaging, genomics, bioinformatics and more. With extensive experience as a scientist and SRL leader, I am deeply passionate about leveraging advanced technologies, developing novel applications, and integrating multiple SRLs to enhance technical support, and ultimately drive breakthroughs in the translational medical research.
My journey in cytometry began back in 1999 with a single-color experiment to measure CD3+ T cell response in rheumatoid arthritis. Since then, cytometry has become a part of my professional life. Both my Masters and PhD projects delved into utilising cytometry. After working as a researcher for 14 years, I transitioned to the role of Westmead Cytometry Facility Manager in 2008, Scientific Platforms Manager in 2016, Scientific Platforms Director in 2019 and the Director of Scientific Operations in 2022 at WIMR. I have been instrumental in strategic planning, governance structure, facility design, budget control, technology upgrade, application development, educational initiatives and have published >20 cytometry related publications as a co-author.
Cytometry Education:
Dedicated to enhancing cytometry education, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, I’ve trained hundreds of students, researchers, and facility staff in cytometry. Being either a faculty member in the ISAC Live Education Taskforce, or an invited speaker, I presented at >20 workshops and conferences predominately in China, as well as in Indonesia, India and Australia. I have also involved in other ISAC education related initiatives such as Lost in Translation, CYTO U biosafety and best practice translations. In addition, I have established collaborations with several cytometry SRLs in China and have trained several SRL managers in my facility to help them to establish their SRLs in their own organizations.
Cytometry Service
As an active member of the Australasian Cytometry Society (ACS), ISAC and the Cell Analysis Committee of Chinese Society for Bioengineering since 2008, 2009 and 2018 respectively, I have served in various roles including (but not limited to): ACS2016 Conference Organising Committee; CYTO2017 Organising Committee; SRL Advisor in ACS Council (2018-19); CytoAsia2019 Organising Committee; ACS International Engagement Committee (2019-20); ACS e-Show Co-Chair (2022); 3rd (2016), 4th (2018), and 5th (2024) SINO-US Cytometry Workshop Organising Committee; ISAC SRL Recognition Program Subcommittee (2020-21), ISAC Live Education Delivery Subcommittee (2016-Present). I have also chaired many sessions at cytometry conferences and reviewed manuscripts for Cytometry A. I was elected as the President-Elect of ACS in November 2021 and am currently serving as the President of the Australasian Cytometry Society; my term as President will end in October this year.
Vision and Contribution to ISAC
It is an honour to be nominated to stand for the ISAC Council. If elected, I aim to contribute to the ISAC community through the following areas:
(1) Enhancing Collaboration between ISAC and ISAC Associated Societies: Strengthening ties between ISAC and its associated societies, particularly in the vibrant Asia Pacific region, is crucial. Playing a key role in the upcoming 2025 CYTO Connect conference in Perth in Australia, a joint effort between ACS and ISAC, I am eager to foster more partnership to increase ISAC’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and advocate for inclusivity in future CYTO conferences, ultimately facilitating a CYTO conference in Asia Pacific region.
(2) Improving Cytometry Education and SRL Operations: I will continue to enhance cytometry education through ISAC Live Education Delivery Subcommittee, ACS, and other platforms, with a focus on remote regions. Westmead Cytometry Facility was awarded the ISAC SRL Recognition Program in 2023. I will promote best practices via this program in the Asia Pacific to further enhance SRL operation. Additionally, I am eager to share our experience in integrated pipelines across multiple SRLs and other insights gained over the years through the ISAC mentorship program.
(3) Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: As an immigrant, I understand firsthand the value of diversity. I am dedicated to promoting a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within ISAC and the broader cytometry community. I believe in breaking language and culture barriers to encourage diverse participation and collaboration, making our society a more inclusive space for all cytometry colleagues worldwide where every voice is heard and valued.