Flow cytometry is an invaluable method for biomedical research. Since its development over 50 years ago, technology for flow cytometry has progressed rapidly, allowing for the detection of more and more features. Recently spectral flow cytometry was developed, allowing detection of upwards of a whopping 50 different fluorophores. Needless to say, keeping up to date with cutting-edge technology is no small task. Not to mention that understanding the best approaches to panel design, and data acquisition and analysis are often overlooked. Here at the Hutch, we are incredibly fortunate to have a fantastic flow cytometry shared resource team, directed by Michele Black. Her team provides researchers with the tools and support necessary to conduct high-quality research across the institute. As an addition to our series highlighting shared resources at Fred Hutch, I recently sat down with Michele to ask her about her career path and how she views her role as the director of the flow cytometry facility.
What is your background in science and research in general?
I earned my degree in zoology and initially worked as a field biologist, focusing on raccoons and coyotes. I thought that would be my lifelong career. However, after moving to Seattle, I found that the type of field biology I specialized in wasn’t prevalent here. So, I pivoted to finding a job in a research lab. I started at Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, working on basal cell carcinoma research with an investigator there. Later, I was hired at Fred Hutch through the University of Washington’s immunology program to work with a clinician researching hematopoietic processes related to Notch1.
During this time, I learned various techniques, including animal handling, mouse preparation, staining for differentiation assays, flow cytometry, and maintaining mice and cell lines. I particularly enjoyed the flow cytometry aspect more than the mouse work. When a job opening in flow cytometry arose in 1996, I transitioned into that role. It was a good fit for me, especially with a young baby and the need for a more consistent schedule. Plus, I really liked the technology.
I worked in that position for about seven years but eventually sought more responsibility and engagement. An opportunity to direct the Cell Analysis Facility part of the Department of Immunology, at the University of Washington, and I took on the challenge of running the core almost entirely independently and built a facility I was really proud of. I did that for 19 years.
How did you find your way back to Fred Hutch’s Flow Cytometry Facility?
I always missed Fred Hutch; I loved the lab and the research here. While I enjoyed my time at the University of Washington, particularly interacting with graduate students, I missed the collaboration and high caliber of science at Fred Hutch. The research here, especially in flow cytometry, is innovative and constantly pushes the envelope of what the technology can do.
When the previous director, Andrew, gave notice, he informed me immediately since we had always kept in close contact—he was my supervisor when I worked here before. That night, I updated my resume and submitted it because this was my dream job, and I was fortunate to get the position. I’ve been here since March 2022.
I brought a lot of the practices and emphasis on operations from my time running the core at the University of Washington to ensure our facility meets the scientific needs of researchers. Behind the scenes, I focus on maintaining the instruments to keep them as clean and well-maintained as possible. Additionally, I emphasize education, which was a significant part of my role at the University of Washington. I believe it’s crucial for people to understand the technology they are using, not just to see dots on a plot and move forward. They need to understand the forensics behind the data—if something doesn’t look right, what does that mean? Is the data reliable? I strive to educate people on proper controls, data integrity, and whether the data answers their research questions.
Was it an interesting transition when you switched from zoology to human biology? Did you have to learn everything from scratch?
In zoology, my work was entirely field biology, involving telemetry data, and environmental data to study animal ranges. I got to hike every day, snorkel streams, and explore remote Forest Service roads, which was incredible. I even saw the original condors released in 1991. Transitioning to lab work meant following protocols, which now feels natural. While I enjoyed fieldwork, it was challenging to raise a family with its seasonal nature. So, transitioning to lab work made sense.
I am incredibly passionate about flow cytometry. I love the technology and find it exciting to watch it evolve. The advancements in reagents, laser technology, detectors, and computers have all grown in tandem to bring the technology to where it is today. It’s thrilling to be part of this field.
Regarding the core services, do you often try to work with the labs to help them develop their panels?
A new user consultation could include that, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. Sometimes, new users come to our facility with their research already started and their plans in place. However, for clinicians who are not in a research lab but want to collaborate or conduct research using flow cytometry, they often lack the resources, lab technicians, or knowledge to design a panel. They might also lack the manpower to stain and perform all the titrations and proper setup of that panel. This is the service we are focusing on. We recently received an AMT grant to help design a couple of panels for researchers as a pilot program. My staff will handle the panel design based on the markers and interests specified by the researchers. We will put together the entire panel, perform all the titrations, and create a usable panel for their research.
Is that a lot of extra time and effort for the team, or does it fit into their day-to-day work?
Fortunately, I now have a staff of six individuals who have come a long way. They work well together, have learned the technology, and become very proficient. Their teamwork is essential for handling the daily tasks, which are substantial since we have 23 instruments in total. Every day, each instrument needs to be cleaned and QC’d, and inevitably, some issues arise. Even with six people across two sites, it takes a significant amount of time to set up each instrument. Additionally, part of their day involves managing user accounts, appointments, and assisting users with changes or issues, and of course helping with sorting and experimental setup.
The staff is always on-site, ready to help if any problems arise, much like firefighters. This means there is some flexible time in their schedules, which we are using to fit in this new service. It’s great because it allows them to work directly with researchers and understand their projects. This involvement has been beneficial for my staff, as it helps them understand the science better and be more engaged.
As far as your position day to day, what does that look like for you?
My day-to-day responsibilities involve managing the backend operations and supporting the staff with any instrument-related questions. I also spend a significant amount of time planning educational initiatives. We’re developing various educational modules for Hutch Learning. One module, which is already available, serves as an orientation to help new users get acquainted with the lab and understand how the facility operates. We’re expanding this to include a flow cytometry class that covers the basics.
I’m organizing hands-on learning opportunities and curating resources from manufacturers that provide extensive educational content. Additionally, I communicate regularly with other shared resources, collaborate with other cores, and work on leadership projects to foster a sense of community among shared resources.
One of my primary goals is to enhance education in flow cytometry, not just at Fred Hutch but across our consortium and the greater Seattle area. I co-founded the Northwest Flow Cytometry Society (NWFCS), a nonprofit focused on education and outreach in the Northwest. Flow cytometry can be challenging for researchers, especially since it’s not typically a drop-off service like genomics. Therefore, education is crucial. I want to ensure that no one feels isolated in their work with flow cytometry.
This educational effort includes everything from reagents and instrument types to control types and data analysis. In March, the NWFCS held our first annual full-day meeting for flow cytometry here at Fred Hutch, it was a huge success. Attendees learned a lot, which is the ultimate goal. This focus on education and bringing in new technology is what I’ve been dedicating my time to.
Do you have a favorite instrument?
I really love the [Cytek] Aurora. I was an early adopter when it first came out while I was at the University of Washington. It was introduced at the CYTO meeting, part of the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) in 2017. When I saw what they were proposing, I was immediately interested in adding it to my lab. There was a lot of learning and some challenges in getting people to understand the differences with this new technology. Spectral flow cytometry was a completely new concept at the time. We’re still learning about autofluorescence and other aspects that impact data analysis and understanding the interactions between fluorophores, including autofluorescence and how to use it to further elucidate cellular function and morphology. I love the Aurora because it has provided a much better understanding of the physics behind fluorescence, revealing aspects that conventional cytometry couldn’t.
For those who don’t know, the Prlic lab, recently developed a 50-color panel (OMIP-102) using the Becton Dickenson Discover S8 spectral cell sorter with Andrew J. Konecny doing the bulk of the work. The data for this 50-color panel was generated on this instrument here in the Thomas flow core, which is really exciting.
It must be time-consuming to put together a large panel like that.
Yes, it is very time consuming! That’s part of the panel design project we’re working on, called Panel Optimization and Design (POD). The idea is to build panels that researchers can use regularly. We aim to create well-optimized, pre-planned panels that cover a wide range of needs. Researchers can then choose new markers of interest on a set of specific fluorophores to fit into these panels, saving a lot of work. We’re designing these panels to work across different platforms within our facility, standardizing them so that no matter which instrument you use, we have a template to help start your experiment. This approach reduces guesswork and saves time.
Do you have any parting words for anyone who is looking to utilize the flow cytometry facilities and doesn’t know where to begin?
I would say take advantage of the people here, including myself. I am more than happy to help.
Don’t be shy, come down, talk to us, and ask for help. We are here to support you.
Flow Cytometry Shared Resources
Learn more about Educational Resources or the Northwest Flow Cytometry Society