Flow Stars

Virginia Litwin (International Society For Advancement of Cytometry)

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Peter O'Toole is joined by Virginia Litwin, the President-Elect of the International Society For Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC).

They discuss Virginia's journey from academia to industry and her pivotal role in the creation and development of CYTO Women, a committee that's having a genuine positive impact on the opportunities available for women in cytometry.

She also shares her experiences in translational science, working closely with clinical trials, and her passion for standardization in flow cytometry.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Anis Larbi (Beckman Coulter Life Sciences)

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Flow Stars, we're joined by Anis Larbi, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences.

Anis chats about his experience working at the prestigious A*STAR in Singapore, where he led a dual career as both a principal investigator and the head of a core flow cytometry facility.

He also shares his advocacy of networking, explains this inspired him to make the leap from academia to industry and discusses some of the snobbery some academics have about this transition.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Sofie Van Gassen (VIB-UGent)

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 02 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Peter O'Toole welcomes Sofie Van Gassen, a Postdoctoral Researcher from VIB-UGent. Sofie explains how a computer scientist can end up working in flow cytometry and sets out her vision for the future of data science in flow. She also sets out her twin passions for developing algorithms and pipelines for data analysis—and gardening.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

David Novo-Lake (De Novo Research)

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Today, Peter O'Toole chats with Dave Novo-Lake, founder of De Novo Research, a pioneering figure in flow cytometry data analysis, and the creator of FCS Express. Dave shares his journey from developing groundbreaking software in his spare time at a Boston lab to establishing a successful business that transformed clinical flow cytometry.

He also talks about keeping his passion for science alive with special projects, his extensive health and fitness routines, and an intriguing open-source initiative to create accessible scientific tools for developing countries.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Mario Roederer (NIH)

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Today, our host Peter O'Toole sits down with the distinguished Mario Roederer, ImmunoTechnology Section Chief and Acting Head of the Translational Research Program at the National Institutes of Health.

Mario shares some fascinating insights from his illustrious career, from demonstrating flow cytometry to Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush to developing the widely used FlowJo™ software.

He also shares his inspirations, starting from his family roots and early education to the pivotal mentorship of figures like Bob Murphy and Len Herzenberg. Plus, we learn about the challenges and triumphs of his career, including his critical work on medical countermeasures for infectious diseases.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Spectral Flow Cytometry Special

Bitesize Bio — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Let's shift our focus from just the people behind the science to the technologies they're using.

In this special episode, we dive deep into spectral flow cytometry with a panel of leading experts, featuring:

• Tamar Tak, Coordinator Flow Cytometry Facility, Leiden University Medical Center
• Domenico Lo Tartaro, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
• Andrew Patentreger, Senior Team Lead, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
• Kelly Lundsten, Biotechnology Market and Technical Bioassay Consultant, Luminous Bioanalytical Consulting
• John Bianchi Colangeli, Resource Technologist I, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

They introduce the fundamentals of spectral flow and explain the chief benefits it can bring to your research.

Our panel also chats about the latest instrument innovations, such as the CytoFLEX mosaic Spectral Detection Module which can switch between conventional and spectral modes, enabling them to answer new research questions, optimize panel designs, and gain deeper insights.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Flow Stars Recorded Live at CYTO 2024

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this special episode of Flow Stars recorded live at CYTO 2024, our panel of esteemed guests, representing a cross-section of cytometry users, discuss the biggest matters in flow cytometry.

They explore the capabilities of current cytometers and what future developments should focus on. They also consider the importance of making cytometry equipment more affordable and the level of technical support provided by manufacturers.

Plus, the panel also discusses the importance of encouraging young researchers to use flow cytometry for small particle analysis and whether it's normal to name your instruments!

With:

• Claudia Maria Radu, Assistant Professor, University of Padua.
• Vera Tang, Adjunct Professor, Facility Manager, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, University of Ottawa.
• André Görgens, Researcher, Karolinska Institutet.

#Cytometry #FlowCytometry #Podcast

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Africa Special with Karen Hogg (University of York) and Margaret Mbuchi (Kenya Medical Research Institute)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

#S4:E6 — Karen Hogg is a Technical Specialist at the University of York, and Margaret Mbuchi is a Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

In this episode of Flow Stars, Karen and Margaret join Peter O’Toole to celebrate the achievements of flow cytometry initiatives across Africa and discuss some of the logistical challenges involved. Karen shares some of the logistical and technical hurdles involved in transporting cytometers and reagents to African countries, and Margaret shares some of the issues that can arise when recruiting study participants in areas of civil unrest.

If you want to get involved and support research in resource-poor areas, find out how to donate spare instruments via the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Instruments 4 Science program.

Visit the ISAC website to donate online.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Alexis Perez Gonzalez (University of Melbourne)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

#S4:E5 — Alexis Perez Gonzalez is the Melbourne Cytometry Platform Manager at the University of Melbourne. In this episode of Flow Stars, Alexis joins Peter O’Toole to discuss how academic progression works in Cuba and how much fun he had working with Andy Riddell. They also chat about his magnificent collection of spices and cookbooks.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Ryan Brinkman (British Columbia Cancer Agency)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#S4:E4 — Ryan Brinkman is Professor Emeritus at the British Columbia Cancer Agency and Chair of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry's (ISAC) Data Standards Task Force.

In this episode of Flow Stars, Ryan joins Peter O’Toole to discuss generating data without a wet lab. They also discuss bioinformatics' clinical and translational benefits and consider what motivates academics.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

#BioInformatics #FlowCytometry #FlowStars

Jessica Back (Wayne State University)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#S4:E3 — Jessica Back is Assistant Professor - Research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University. In this episode of Flow Stars, Jessica joins Peter O’Toole to discuss her difficulties getting through grad school. They also chat about places you can talk science without feeling like the odd one out and the time she had to process a spleen in front of a news crew.

Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Peter Lopez (New York University)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#S4:E2 — Peter Lopez is Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at New York University and former Director of the Cytometry and Cell Sorting Laboratory. In this episode of Flow Stars, Peter joins Peter O’Toole to discuss the benefits of semi-retirement.

They also chat about his side hustle making pizza and maple syrup. Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Live at CYTO 2023 with Jessica Houston, Pratip Chattopadhyay, and Paul Wallace

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#S4:E1 — In this special episode of Flow Stars recorded live at CYTO 2023, host Peter O'Toole welcomes a panel of distinguished experts, including Jessica Houston (New Mexico State University), Pratip Chattopadhyay (NYU Langone Health (PIL)), and Paul Wallace (Roswell Park Cancer Comprehensive Center).

Join them for an enlightening conversation as they dive into the future of flow cytometry and provide their unique perspectives on how the utilization of flow cytometry could evolve in the next 5-10 years.

But that's not all! Our guests share their favorite lab tools, revealing a world beyond cytometers. They reveal what they cherish most about their jobs and reflect on their career accomplishments. Discover their significant contributions to the flow cytometry community and understand what draws them back to CYTO year after year.

Tune in for this dynamic discussion, packed with invaluable insights and experiences from the luminaries of the field. Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Sara De Biasi and Andrea Cossarizza (UNIMORE)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E6 — Sara De Biasi and Andrea Cossarizza from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) chat with Peter O'Toole about how they were able to quickly respond to news of a novel coronavirus as early as January 2020, and how their work was crucial to understanding the effect of COVID-19 on the immune system.

They also discuss the pros and cons of moving abroad or staying where you are to pursue a career, as well as achieving a good work-life balance. Sara and Andrea also reminisce about the first flow cytometers they worked with and leave us with some important life lessons.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Jessica Houston (NMSU)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E5 — Jessica Houston chats to Peter O'Toole about developing her own niche as a new PI, while balancing this with a busy family home life. She discusses her new appointment as president-elect for the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC), and the important role societies can play in science. She recalls her early career developing her research, and how she knew industry wasn't for her!

Jessica also chats about living in Japan as a Fulbright scholar for 6 months, as well as some more difficult times in her career.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Bill Telford (NCI)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E4 — Bill Telford is Head of the NCI Research Flow Facility at the NCI Center for Cancer Research.

In this episode of Flow Stars, Bill joins Peter O'Toole to discuss his early career inspirations, his passion for supporting international instrument donation and training initiatives, some of the challenges he's faced running a flow core facility, and being a bit of a science geek—he builds his own flow cytometers using 3D-printed components.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Andrea Holme (University of Aberdeen)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E3 — Andrea Holme is Head of the Iain Fraser Cytometry Centre at the University of Aberdeen.

In this episode of Flow Stars, Andrea joins Peter O'Toole to discuss how she was able to use her passion for traveling to her advantage during her varied scientific career. They also chat about the key differences between industry and academia, why she thinks it's important to be involved in different scientific societies, and about some of her pet hates and hobbies.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Grace Chojnowski (Queensland Institute of Medical Research)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E2 — Grace Chojnowski is Flow Cytometry and Imaging Facility Manager at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

In this episode of Flow Stars, Grace joins Peter O'Toole to discuss why understanding the theory behind your experiment is key in flow cytometry, why she'd like a flow lab in the Alps, and her early career as an Australian living in London. We also hear about a funny interview story and talk candidly about how she avoided the stress of isolation and burnout at the start of her career.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

John Tigges (Harvard Medical School)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0100

#S3:E1 — John Tigges joins Peter O'Toole in the latest episode of Flow Stars to discuss his passion for training the next generation of scientists in flow cytometry, his hobbies of DJing and MCing, and managing the business side of a core facility. We also hear why he thinks people who work in core facilities are often like the bartenders of the science world—and how he has often heard more than he should have!

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Paul K. Wallace (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E6 — Paul K. Wallace of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center was one of the first clinical cytometrists. He has had a huge influence on the field of flow cytometry, particularly in developing assays to track immune function. In this engaging episode of Flow Stars, Paul chats to Peter O’Toole about his early ambitions to become a vet, the importance of education and training in flow cytometry, and how his role has led him all over the world. We also discover what’s Paul’s favorite foods are (tip: don’t serve him liver!), whom from history he’d most like to meet, and what he’s got planned for retirement.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Alice Givan

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E5 — Alice Givan, now retired, was previously the director of the Flow Cytometry/Fluorescence Imaging Core at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center/Dartmouth Medical School in New Hampshire and author of the classic text Flow Cytometry: First Principles.

In today's episode of Flow Stars, Alice joins Peter O'Toole to discuss how funding issues led to her first job working with a flow cytometer, her love of teaching and why every flow lab needs a microscope.

Alice also discusses how she met her husband of more than 50 years in graduate school and why she spends too much time on YouTube.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Rui Gardner (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E4 — Rui Gardner is Flow Cytometry Core Head at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
In today’s lively episode of Flow Stars, Rui joins Peter O’Toole to discuss why all undergraduates should be taught how to ask questions, science careers for extroverts, conference nostalgia—and pitchers of sangria—and how to take a brooding boyband lab photo! We also discover what it was like moving continents twice, and why sharing knowledge should be at the top of every scientist’s agenda.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Kylie Price (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E3 — Kylie Price is the Head of Research Technology at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in New Zealand and current Secretary of ISAC. She is a tireless proponent of the benefits of cytometry and of improving science and technology in New Zealand. She’s also pretty tireless in general, it turns out, as we discover in this episode of Flow Stars.

Whether it’s introducing her children to the wonders of the natural world, climbing, diving, horse-riding, or beekeeping, Kylie’s passion is evident in abundance. We learn more about how she got into cytometry, and her passion for conservation and science outreach, as well as how her energy and enthusiasm have led to the establishment of several philanthropic partnerships, all of which continue to benefit science.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Pratip Chattopadhyay (Founder of Talon Biomarkers)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E2 — In the latest episode of Flow Stars, Peter O’Toole is joined by the inspiring Pratip Chattopadhyay, who has had an illustrious career in the fields of flow cytometry and immunoassays and was the founding Director of NYU Langone Health’s Precision Immunology Laboratory (PIL).

He is also the founder of startup biomarker discovery engine Talon Biomarkers. Today we discover why Pratip believes in bringing science into the community, why he can’t resist a courtroom drama, and how flow cytometry aligns with his love for telling stories. We’ll hear about early ambitions to be an astronaut, a secret love of K-Pop, and the importance of supporting our children’s ambitions in this interview with a down—to—earth and truly inspiring scientist.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Garry Nolan (Stanford School of Medicine)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

#S2:E1 — Garry Nolan of the Stanford University School of Medicine has been hugely influential in the fields of hematopoiesis, cancer and leukemia, and network and systems immunology. In the latest inspiring episode of Flow Stars, Garry chats to Peter O’Toole about ensuring scientific research benefits the public, his collection of carnivorous plants, commercializing research, why it’s important to move outside your comfort zone, UFOs, and the development of the CODEX and CyTOF tools. Tune in to discover more!

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Paul Robinson (Purdue University)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0100

#S1:E6 — Many of us owe a debt of thanks to Paul Robinson of Purdue University for developing and maintaining the flow cytometry listserv, and for writing the Handbook of Flow Cytometry Methods. In this episode of Flow Stars, we’ll learn more about how these projects came about. We’ll also discover more about Paul’s passions, his scientific inspirations, and what compelled him to climb Mount Everest. In this thought-provoking chat, we’ll hear about some of the challenges that Paul has faced in his career, how he has overcome them, and why he keeps an ice axe in his office!

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Paul Smith (Cardiff University)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0100

#S1:E5 — In this episode of Flow Stars, we’re joined by Paul Smith of Cardiff University, who has spent his impressive career using flow cytometry and imaging to tackle problems in cancer biology. We’ll hear more about Paul’s views on the importance of collaborative working, why he hates following recipes, and why you should think carefully about the toys you buy your children. Paul will also let us in on some secrets to successful grant applications, his scientific inspirations, and where he sees the field of cytometry going in this engaging and entertaining interview.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Derek Davies (Francis Crick Institute) and Karen Hogg (University of York)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 23:00:00 +0100

#S1:E4 — In today’s episode of Flow Stars we discover more about cytometry training with Derek Davies of the Francis Crick Institute and Karen Hogg of the University of York. These two exceptional trainers share their thoughts on the importance of networking, what gets them out of bed in the morning, and – in Derek’s case – the trials and tribulations of Carshalton Athletic FC. The pair discuss their career highs – and lows – in this candid and engaging interview.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Liam Whitby (Director, UK NEQAS)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 23:00:00 +0100

##S1:E3 — Join us for the latest episode of Flow Stars, as we chat to Liam Whitby, Director of UK NEQAS, about his role in improving patient care through quality testing and reporting. We learn more about Liam’s love of superheroes and Disney and how he’s really just a big kid at heart, why you should always visit supermarkets while travelling, and the importance of resilience when life throws you a curve ball. Touching on tattoos, solar eclipses, and globetrotting, Liam also shares his thoughts on the main challenges for UK NEQAS and cytometry more generally in this engaging and enlightening episode.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Rachel Errington (Cardiff University) and Jonni Moore (uPenn)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:00:00 +0100

##S1:E2 — In this episode of Flow Stars, we’re joined by Jonni Moore of the University of Pennsylvania and Rachel Errington of Cardiff University.

In this frank and forthright discussion, we talk about the role of cytometry in interdisciplinary research, and the future of the field, taking in Great Expectations, Brentford FC, and the Philadelphia Eagles along the way.

We can also give advance warning of a soccer match to be held at ISAC 2022! We also discuss more serious matters, as Jonni and Rachel discuss their biggest career challenges and offer some sage advice for other early career researchers.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com

Tim Bushnell (URMC) & Alfonso Blanco (UCD)

Bitesize Bio — Wed, 05 May 2021 11:00:00 +0100

#S1:E1 — Our first episode of Flow Stars features not one, but two big hitters in the world of flow cytometry, which creates a dynamic and energetic conversation.

We find out about Tim’s love for brewing, including how he taught his kid to brew as a science lesson and discuss Alfonso’s passion for kicking people (in organized sports) and how his Olympic hopes were dashed by an unfortunate knee injury.

While we get to know Tim and Alfonso on a personal level, work and flow cytometry is still a big focus, with both sharing their most difficult career moments and discussing the bright and colorful future of flow cytometry.

From jumping over bonfires to vehicle theft, this episode doesn’t fail to entertain!

Watch or Listen to all episodes of Flow Stars here: https://flowstars.bitesizebio.com