Mrs Sofia Hassiotis

After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of South Australia in 1992, Sofia worked in both diagnostic and research [PC1, PC2] laboratories in Government, Industry, University, and not-for-profit organisations. She broadened her experience in research by receiving a first-class Honour’s degree in Health Science at the University of Adelaide in 2012.

Sofia is highly skilled in histology and experienced in microscopy. Having spent 10 years working in diagnostic histopathology, she has extensive technical expertise in anatomical pathology and histology, including cut-up of tissue specimens for processing, embedding, microtomy [microtome, cryostat] and staining [routine H&E staining, special staining, IHC, IF/ICC] of both paraffin and frozen samples. She has also spent 20 years in medical research, implementing her histological skills from her diagnostic experience to further develop skills in vibratome microtomy, microscopy [brightfield, epifluorescence, confocal], imaging, imaging analysis and cell culture. Sofia contributed to over 30 publications during her research career.

To diversify her career and to educate the next generation of researchers in histology and microscopy, Sofia joined the University of South Australia in 2022 as a Senior Technical Officer: Histopathology and Biological Imaging. Sofia supports research by maintaining the management and administration of the Histology Suite and the Olympus IX83 Microscopy laboratory in the open access Microscopy Australia facilities in FII, which are part of the nationally recognised NCRIS funded infrastructure program that supports research within Australia.  Her responsibilities also include the management of all financial and usage reports of the facility. Additionally, Sofia represents UniSA on a national level, attending and actively participating in Microscopy Australia Education Committee meetings and workshops. Her high level of technical experience in histology and proficiency in microscopy, in both diagnostic and research laboratory settings, place Sofia in a unique position whereby she utilises her highly specialised expertise to provide consistent streamlined training, employing Standard Operating Procedures, and support, to troubleshoot technical problems and develop/implement new methodologies. Sofia provides internal and external researchers, staff, and post-graduate students access to a ‘one-stop-shop’ for their histology and imaging workflows.

Sofia has also contributed to UniSA/FII more broadly, especially in health, safety, and education. By developing and implementing a Category System to reflect frequency of use within the Histology Suite, she can identify infrequent users and provide support to ensure safe working practices are adhered to whilst users retain histological skills. This system is being trialled within other microscopy and microanalysis facilities within the university. To increase knowledge of basic histology principles to researchers, staff and post-graduate students, Sofia presents an annual histology workshop. Sofia has valuable experience working in PC2 laboratories and knowledgeable in WHS principles. She promotes work health and safety within PC2 laboratories by facilitating chemical audits, undertaking risk assessment reviews for biological/chemical processes, conducting laboratory inspections and, preparing of standard operating procedures, to ensure compliance with WHS legislation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) The University of Adelaide

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science University of South Australia