Meet the Team Behind the Slides and Discover the Impact of Histopathology

Have you ever stopped to think about who creates those intricate slides you study in pathology class? Or how histopathology plays an essential role in both medical and veterinary fields? Let’s take you behind the scenes of one of Australia's most innovative and inclusive histology labs—Murdoch University’s Veterinary Histopathology facility.

Meet the Experts

The lab team is made up of three exceptional professionals, each bringing unique expertise to the table:

• Brendan Groves: A Curtin University graduate in Laboratory Medicine, Brendan has hands-on experience in histopathology, cytology, and biochemistry. His background as both a technician and scientist makes him adept at tackling complex challenges in the lab.
• Dr Hasina Akter: With nearly two decades of experience, Hasina holds a Doctor of Veterinary Science and a Master Science in Anatomy from Bangladesh Agricultural University. She then completed her PhD in Histomorphology at the University of Bonn, Germany and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Queensland. Now serving as a Technical Officer, she seamlessly blends her teaching and lab expertise to drive innovation in histopathology workflows.
• Dr Susan Cantrell: A Curtin graduate in Laboratory Medicine with specializations in histology, haematology, and biochemistry; Susan completed Honours in Histopathology and earned a PhD in Alzheimer’s Disease using immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques. She has taught at Curtin University and worked at private pathology laboratories.

  Together, this multidisciplinary team offers services ranging from embedding and tissue processing to advanced staining techniques and papillomavirus detection. Their skills extend far beyond technical workflows, encompassing support for diagnostic pathology sampling in cutting-edge research.

  The Power of Technology

  Murdoch’s histopathology lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that ensures precision and efficiency. Highlights include:

• An Olympus VS200 digital scanner for high-resolution imaging
• An automated tissue processor for seamless sample preparation
• A unique barcode labelling and tracking system, safeguarding sample integrity

  All samples are fixed in formalin and preserved as retrievable paraffin blocks, enabling long-term studies and re-evaluations. Slides are made and stained to allow identification of specific tissue elements that can greatly aid the diagnosis of cases.

  Beyond the Science

  The lab isn’t just a technical powerhouse—it’s a place where collaboration, creativity, and personal growth thrive. Staff praise the inclusive and innovative atmosphere, which encourages independent thinking and teamwork. And it’s not all work; amenities like an on-site gym and tearoom contribute to an excellent work-life balance.

  Hasina reflects warmly on her experience, saying, “I have more than 18 years of experience in teaching and working as a professional, but Murdoch has given me the freedom to think innovatively, and I’m very happy about it.”

  Education and Training

  The lab plays a pivotal educational role, especially in units like BMS325-Histopathology. Students gain hands-on experience in real-world pathology workflows, preparing them for careers in clinical and research settings. This direct engagement not only enhances theoretical learning but also builds the practical expertise needed to excel in the field.

  A Unique Facility

  Murdoch University’s histopathology lab stands out as one of the few dedicated veterinary histopathology facilities in Australia. Serving as a diagnostic and research centre, it’s an invaluable resource for advancing animal health and biomedical sciences. It’s also a dynamic training ground for the next generation of scientists, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

  So, the next time you study a slide in class, remember the dedication and innovation that goes into creating it. From cutting-edge technology to passionate professionals, histopathology labs like Murdoch’s are at the heart of medical and veterinary science advancements.

   

   

  Dulani Girigarage