Pathology News and Events

With a great pleasure we are announcing the recipients of the 2024 Translational Research Pathology Awards.

Ryan F. Relich (PI), and Guang-Sheng (Bob) Lei
Development and Validation of Nanopore Next-Generation Sequencing for Diagnosis and Characterization of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Andrew Tharp, Kristi Herbert, Jennifer VanDyke, Justin Meier, Josh Kocemba, Harvey Cramer (PI)
Fine Needle Aspiration is a Highly Effective Method for Obtaining Cancer Cells for Comprehensive Molecular Profiling

Tieying Hou (PI), Adeyinka Akinsanya, Kemin Xu, Omer Saeed, Sheila Segura
Use of fine needle aspiration supernatant from lung carcinoma for PCR sequencing: does the collecting medium make a difference?

Laura Warmke, Collier, Daniel Wurtz, Niziolek, Carina Dehner (PI)
Identification of novel drivers in non-UPS6-rearranged primary aneurysmal bone cyst

Daisy Maharjan, Katrina Collins, Varsha Nair, Muhammad T. Idrees, Andres M. Acosta (PI)
Genomic Assessment of Fusion-Negative Prostatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed in Young Men of Pre-screening Age

These outstanding projects will undoubtedly have a high impact on research in their respective fields.

Please join us in congratulating the recipients.

Translational Research Pathology Award Committee
Michael Feldman, Charlie Hao, Ahmed Alomari, Magdalena Czader

Allison Statler performed with the Indiana University School of Medicine orchestra during the spring semester. The orchestra performed their spring concert on Sunday, April 14 at the Indiana History Center. Eric Albright, MD, associate professor of clinical pathology and laboratory medicine and division chief of pediatric pathology, also participated — he was spotted playing the trumpet.

Allison Statler, center, and Eric Albright, MD, back row far left, with the Indiana University School of Medicine Orchestra

The cytotechnology program was well represented at the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) Annual Conference held May 17–18 in San Diego, CA. Eight of ten students were able to attend as well as both faculty members. Education coordinator Josh Howell (class of 2008) was introduced as the President Elect for the organization. Many alumni were present including outgoing ASCT President Margee Muciarelli (class of 1991).

Faculty member Ryan Relich, PhD, was a featured speaker and presented two well-received and entertaining lectures. Dr. Relich is associate professor of clinical pathology & laboratory medicine and serves as the medical director for IU Health Division of Clinical Microbiology, IU Health Donor Screening Laboratory, IU Health Special Pathogens Unit Laboratory and has many other responsibilities.

The group enjoyed a pre-conference harbor tour. From left to right (back row) Contessa Radabaugh, Program Director Barbara McGahey Frain, Hannah Wood, Allison Statler, Joud Ghnimet and Josie Arney. Front row: Allison Davis, Sarita Pantula, Sung Ah (Christina) Park.

Two IU students were selected to for this year's Warren R. Lang Student Interesting Case Presentations. The student interesting case awards were established in memory of Warren R. Lang, MD. Dr. Lang was a relentless advocate for cytologists, cytology students and pathology residents, and he enjoyed teaching immensely. Each year up to 10 students compete for the awards. This year's first and second place winners were from IU School of Medicine's program. Congratulations to Contessa Radabaugh and Allie Davis. Two additional students, Sarita Pantula and Allison Statler, were selected to provide online interesting case presentations that will be featured on the ASCT website.

From left to right, third place awardee Madalyn Fry, second place awardee Allison (Allie) Davis, first place awardee Contessa Radabaugh.

The group celebrated the conclusion of clinical rotations on July 1. In addition to celebrating this milestone, the program’s 60th year of CAAHEP accreditation was also acknowledged.

There was a strong showing from graduates of the 1980s and they were joined by graduates from the 1990s and 2000-present. The group enjoyed a light buffet, a slide show and brief remarks at the spectacular Victorian mansion known as the Propyleum.

Congratulations to the winners of the Veronica Powell Scholarship presented by Madison Rector (class of 2019), current president of the Cytology Society of Indiana (CSI). Awardees were Saray Hernandez and Christina Park.

2024 Veronica Powell Scholarship awardee Sung ah (Christina) Park and CSI President Madison Rector.

2024 Veronica Powell Scholarship awardee Saray Hernandez with Program Director Barbara McGahey Frain.

The Tao Outstanding Student of the Year award was presented to Sarita Pantula.

Education Coordinator Josh Howell, Sarita Pantula, and Program Director Barbara McGahey Frain.

Members of Class of 2024 on Coronado Island before returning home from ASCT Annual Conference.

In front Hannah Wood and Sarita Pantula surrounded by from L to R Allie Davis, Josie Arney, Allison Statler, Joud Ghnimat, Sung Ah (Christina) Park.

IU Cytotechnology grads through the decades 

front row: Sydney Snyder (2022) Barbara McGahey Frain (1986) Margee Muciarelli (1991) first CytoPathology Fellow Dr. Rudy Schwenk (1984-85), Josh Howell (2008) and Baylee Parker (2022). Back row Madison Rector (2019), Nick Frain (1989) and Bill Nelson (1983).

Congratulations to the IU School of Medicine cytotechnology program for 60 years of accreditation and to the 2024 graduates!

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine conducts a bi-weekly Grand Rounds education series. Grand Rounds are held in both a Zoom and live audience format. Participants are able to receive continuing medical education (CME) credit. Grand Rounds serves as an integral part of the educational experience across all levels of learning—attendance is encouraged for medical students, residents, fellows and faculty as well as our collaborating IU Health partners in pathology across multiple disciplines. Topics and presenters are selected to reflect timely issues and knowledge in the ever developing world of pathology.