Associate Professor Filip Braet
Director

Associate Professor Filip Braet is Director of the Sydney Microscopy & Microanalysis core research facility. His direct research interests cover the areas of structural biology, cancer biology, vascular biology, chemical biology and nanobiotechnology.

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Eleanor Kable, Facility Manager

Contact
eleanor.kable@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 7566
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Qualifications

M.Sc. University of Queensland, Dept. Biochemistry, (Part time 1984-1987). Thesis title: "Redox Agents and Glutathione Metabolism in Human Melanoma." Masters Qualifying, (Honours equivalent), University of Queensland, Dept. Biochemistry, 1982. B.Sc., Griffith University, School of Science, 1979-1981. Double Major in Biological Chemistry and Biology.

Background

During her career Ellie has engaged in a cross-disciplinary research career in the biological/physical sciences. Initially she engaged in medical research projects which included Vitamin B12 metablolism and a research masters thesis on cancer chemotherapy of melanomas. She then worked for 3 years in a biophysics laboratory at Cornell University (USA) in a technical capacity. It is here that Ellie gained early confocal microscopy knowledge. She did a short stint in London studying cytomeglovirus using confocal microscopy and on coming back to Australia returned to the medical research studying the role of calcium in hypertension using live cell microscopy techniques. Since joining the Australian Centre for Microscopy & Micronanalysis Ellie has worked in a teaching and research capacity with the confocal and light microscopy as her expertise.

Role
Ellie manages SMM’s labs and technical staff at Madsen, the Charles Perkins Centre, the Brain and Mind Centre and at Sydney Nanoscience Hub to successfully deliver research services, programs and training in microscopy and microanalysis to our users. She also provides strategic support to the Director, particularly on matters of integration of laboratory activities at Sydney with those at other Microscopy Australia nodes.

Dr Vijay Bhatia, SEM Manager

Contact
vijay.bhatia@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9036 7633
LinkedIn

Qualifications
B.Sc Nanotechnology Hons (UTS) 2008
Doctor of Philosophy, Science  (UTS) 2013

Background
Vijay completed his PhD focusing on metallurgy and nano coatings in 2013. This work relied heavily on SEM and found a passion for the technique. After graduating he spent a few years working for Thermofisher Scientific as a Product Specialist, working with industries around Australia to improve processes and workflows. Returning to the academic world at the University of Sydney as a Post Doctoral Researcher, his work involved the development and analysis of new wear resistant alloys for the mining industry. Vijay currently manages the SEM and FIB facilities at SMM, helping users to push the applications of these tools to improve research outcomes.

Role
Vijay’s role is to provide support and training for users, help develop new techniques and manage the SEM and FIB facilities at SMM.  

Naveena Gokoolparsadh, Biological Specimen Prep Specialist

Contact
naveena.gokoolparsadh@sydney.edu.au
+ 61 2 9351 7642

Qualifications
MAppSc (Microscopy and Microanalysis), 2009, USYD
B.Sc (Medical Microbiology and Immunology), 2007, UNSW

Background
In 2007, Naveena graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. She continued studying and gained her Masters degree in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) in 2009. During her Masters, she carried out a research project, which examined the ultrastructural and behavioural differences that exist between two types of cultured colorectal cancer cells. After graduating, she was employed as a Hospital Scientist at the Prince of Wales Hospital in the Anatomical Pathology department. She then moved to Canberra to commence work as a Research Officer at the Centre for Advanced Microscopy, ANU and commenced with SMM in April 2011.

Role
Naveena is responsible for the biological specimen preparation lab at SMM. She provides support and training to users preparing samples for investigation via a wide range of microscopy techniques.

Materials Specimen Preparation Specialist - HIRING

Contact
smm.matprep@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 7546

Qualifications


Background


Role
The Materials Specimen Preparation Specialist is responsible for the materials specimen preparation laboratory at SMM. They also provide support and training to users preparing samples for investigation via a wide range of microscopy techniques.

Dr Magnus Garbrecht, TEM Manager

Contact
magnus.garbrecht@sydney.edu.au
Office: + 61 2 8627 7163
Lab: + 61 2 8627 7236
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Qualifications
Docent in Materials Science, 2015, Linköping University, Technical Faculty, Sweden.
PhD (Dr. rer. nat) in Materials Science, 2009, Technical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany.
Diploma in Physics, 2005, Institute for Experimental and Applied Physics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany.

Background
Specialises in aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and spectroscopy techniques in the field of materials science.

Role
Magnus manages and operates the double-corrected and monochromated FEI Themis-Z laboratory at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub and is responsible for coordinating and undertaking training of users for that purpose.

Dr Hongwei Liu, TEM Specialist

Contact
hongwei.liu@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 4069

LinkedIn | ResearchGate | ORCiD

Qualifications
PhD, 2003, South China University of Technology (SCUT)

Background
Visiting Fellow (2010.10-2011.4), Sydney University, Australia
Research Fellow (2010.5-2011.4), Griffith University, Australia
Visiting Fellow (2006.9-2007.8; 2009.5-2013.4), Queensland University of  Technology, Australia
Prof, Materials Science and engineering, Guangxi University, China
Postdoc (2003.9-2005.11), Nanjing University, China

Role
Dr Liu supports and trains users of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). He provides researchers with assistance in the development and application of TEM based techniques to help them achieve quality outcomes from their experiments. Hongwei also designs and delivers training courses in TEM and develops novel solutions for TEM users at all stages of their experiments.

Asha Indiradevi, SEM Specialist

Contact
ashalatha.indira@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 5145

Qualifications
M.Sc, 2006, Microelectronics, NTU Singapore
B.Tech Electronics & Communication Engineering, 2004, CUSAT India

Background
2006-2015: Failure Analysis Engineer, STMicroelectronics Singapore.

• Physical failure analysis and characterization by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy(EDS), Focused ion Beam Techniques (FIB), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Optical Microscopy.
• Electrical characterization & Electrical semiconductor failure analysis using various techniques such as Emission Microscopy (EMMI), Optical Beam Induced Resistance Change (OBIRCH), Seebeck Effect Imaging (SEI) and Passive Voltage Contrast (PVC).

Role
Asha provdes technical support at SMM's Madsen facility in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam techniques (FIB).

Dr Pamela Young, Light & Optical Microscopy Manager

Contact
pamela.young@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 7527
LinkedIn

Qualifications
PhD (Medical Biophysics and Program in Biomolecular Imaging), 2010, Indiana University
B.Sc Hons. (Physics), 2003, Indiana University
B.Sc (Mathematics), 2003, Indiana University

Background

• Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin, 
  Postdoctoral Fellow, Co-Mentors Kevin Eliceiri and Patricia Keely, 2010-2013
• Indiana Center for Biological Microscopy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Ph.D., 2004-2010
• Polymer Technology Systems, Inc., Scientist/Quality Control, 2003-2004
• Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, Laboratory Assistant, 2002-2003
• WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology, Undergraduate Assistant, 2002-2003
• Indiana University Mathematics Department, Undergraduate Intern, 2001-2003

Role
Dr. Young works with users to design optimal experiments for their research questions using the light and optical microscopes at Sydney Microscopy & Microanalysis. She also trains and supports users on the light and optical microscopes as well as assisting in the design of training courses and workshops.

Dr Susan (Ying Ying) Su, Light & Optical Specialist

Contact
yingying.su@sydney.edu.au
+61 02 9351 3302

Qualifications
PhD, 2012, University of Sydney
M.App.Sc (Molecular Biotechnology), 2006, University of Sydney
B.Sc (Biochemistry & Biotechnology), 2004, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China

Background
Susan joined the ACMM as a volunteer working with A/Prof. Filip Braet on a project titled “Development of Correlative Fluorescence, SEM and TEM Imaging Methods for Biomolecular Investigation of Colorectal Metastasis”.

Role
Su provides technical support and training for users of the cellular imaging facility located at the Charles Perkins Centre.

Dr Neftali Flores Rodriguez, Light & Optical Specialist

Contact
neftali.floresrodriguez@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 7097
LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Qualifications
PhD (Engineering and Physical Sciences) 2006, University of Manchester, UK
MSc (Environmental Biotechnology) 2002, UMIST, UK
BSc (Chemical Engineering) 1995, BUAP, Mexico

Background
Neftali has over ten years experience in light microscopy and biophysics in the field of cell biology. His main interests are in live cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy.

Role
Neftali specialises in training new users on the imaging systems located at SMM’s cellular imaging facility at the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC). He also assists users with the design, execution and analysis of experiments requiring advance imaging techniques.

Dr Michael Kuligowski, Light and Optical Specialist

Contact
michael.kuligowski@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9114 4194

Qualifications
PhD (Medicine) 2007, Monash University
B. Sci (Hon) 2004, Melbourne University

Background
Michael complete a Bachelor of Science majoring in Immunology and Pathology, before completing an honours year in Biochemistry research at the Alfred Hospital. He then completed a PhD investigating intravital imaging of mouse kidneys, discovering a novel pathway for neutrophils to bind to the endothelium, without the requirement for classic tethering and rolling. Michael then completed a Post-doc at Harvard University in Boston, investigating how vaccine antigens are processed in lymph nodes, using multiphoton intravital microscopy, which resulted in several publications.

Michael then returned to Australia, working at the Centenary Institute, visualising the immune system role in acute tissue rejection in real time, before joining SMM in 2015.

Role
Michael supports users of SMM's instruments at the Brain and Mind Centre. This involves assisting researchers on best specimen preparation techniques, training users on the most appropriate microscope for their imaging needs and then optimisation of image acquisition. Michael also assists with image analysis and preparation for manuscripts, as well as routine maintenance of microscopy equipment located at the Mallet St facility.

Dr Matthew Foley, Analysis & X-Ray Microscopy Manager

Contact
matthew.foley@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 7565
ORCiD

Qualifications
PhD, 2011, UTS
BSc Hons. (Nanotechnology), 2007, UTS

Background
Matt conducted his research at the Microstructural Analysis unit at the University of Technology, Sydney, primarily focussing on characterisation of the electrical, optical and structural properties of zinc oxide powders, crystals and nanowires.

Role
Matt offers instruction, training & support to users working with Micro-Computed Tomography, as well as supporting advanced image analysis opportunities across the different techniques available to researchers.

Dr Takanori Sato, Atom Probe Manager

Contact
takanori.sato@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9351 7541
LinkedIn

Qualifications
PhD, 2009, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
B.E. (Hons) Mech, 2003

Background
Takanori was a materials scientist at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, focusing on light alloys research. He conducted lectures on materials and metallurgical engineering, and specialized in electron microscope user training and servicing (TEM, SEM, EBSD). He is also a mechanical engineer, and has worked for Fuji Heavy Industries Japan, as a finite element analysis and design engineer.

Role
Takanori offers technical support for our atom probe capabilities.

Adam Costin, Bio Cryo Electron Microscopist

Contact
adam.costin@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9357 9972

Qualifications
B.Sc, 2003,

Background
Adam has over 10 years' experience in a wide array of biological EM techniques. Most recently he was a staff scientist for cryoEM at the Central Oxford Structural and Molecular Imaging Centre at the University of Oxford. Prior to that he was an EM staff scientist at the Ramaciotti Centre at Monash University focusing on room temperature biological EM.

Role
Adam provides advice, training and ongoing support for biological cryoEM projects.

Dr Leigh Stephenson, Atom Probe Engineer

Contact
leigh.stephenson@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9036 5180

Qualifications
PhD (Microscopy & Microanalysis), 2009, Sydney University
BSc (Advanced Mathematics) + Honours (Quantum Computation), 2003, Macquarie University

Background
Since mid-2005, Leigh has focused on the quantitative use of commercial atom probe technologies applied to a wide variety of materials science projects. From 2017-2022, he worked at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH in Düsseldorf, Germany, developing and managing a new instrumentation suite for novel APT experimental protocols for environmentally sensitive samples like hydrogen-charged steels, titanium and zirconium alloys, freshly reduced iron ore and soft materials like proteins and aqueous samples.

Role
Leigh offers technical support and training for atom probe experiments involving unconventional specimen preparation of environmentally sensitive samples, assisting in the establishment of new protocols. He also advises users on the use of established data reconstruction and analysis software.

André Venne, Data Management Specialist (Physical Sciences)

Contact
andre.venne@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9036 4665

LinkedIn

Qualifications
B.Sc (Physics), 2012, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
M. Sc. A., 2021, Université de Montreal, Canada

Background
André previously did research at the Institut Quantique at the Université de Sherbrooke on high-temperature superconductors. He has worked for the astronomy software department at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, helping develop a pipeline for their spectropolarimeter. He has also worked as a computer engineer for the Electronics Research Group of the University of Aberdeen, researching Internet protocols. André has completed a master's degree, focused on optimal estimation and parameter identification of highly rotational gymnastic movements using dynamic optimisation.

Role
André provides expert support to SMM's research community, specialising in data management and interpretation for physical sciences.

Dr Richard Harwood, Data Management Specialist
(Biological Sciences)

Contact
richard.harwood@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 9114 2199

Qualifications
PhD, 2020, University of Sydney

Background

During his PhD and post-doctoral work, Richard developed novel approaches to study biological systems in three dimensions using volume microsocpy. His main research interests are image analysis, machine learning and data management.

Role
Richard provides expert support to SMM's research community, specialising in data management and interpretation for biological sciences.

Apurv Yadav, Industry Support Microscopist

Contact
apurv.yadav@sydney.edu.au  
+61 2 8627 5988

LinkedIn | ORCID | ResearcherID

Qualifications
PhD. Material Science, In progress, The University of Sydney, Australia
MSc. Petroleum Engineering, 2014, Curtin University, Australia
BSc. Chemical Engineering, 2011, Purdue University, USA

Background
Apurv's research focus has been the microstructure analysis of materials for structure-property characterization. He has worked with Si-photovoltaics-thin films, silicon nano-crystals, Magnesium alloys and steels. Characterization techniques/equipment used during the research include atom probe (including cryo) , FIB (Gallium/plasma), S/TEM, EBSD/TKD and in-situ MEMS heating experiments.

Role
Apurv provides support to industry clients to access our facilities for testing services and research and development work.

Huma Bilal, Senior Technical Officer

Contact
huma.bilal@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 6683

Qualifications
PhD, 2021, University of Sydney, Australia
M.Sc, 2014, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Pakistan
B.E, (Mech Eng) 2009, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Pakistan

Background
Since completing her B.E (Mech Eng), Huma has worked as a lab engineer and lecturer for 9 years in engineering departments at UET Lahore, Pakistan and the University of Sharjah, UAE. She completed her Ph.D at the University of Sydney (AMME) in 2021 which focussed on the microstructure characterisation of bulk metallic glasses. Her interest in SEM and FIB began as a result of the need to use these microscopy capabilites to prepare samples during her PhD.

Role
Huma provides support and training to researchers in the operation of SEM and X-ray capabilities at SMM's Madsen facility. She also assists in the development and application of SEM and X-ray based techniques to help users achieve quality outcomes from their experiments.

Mahesh James, Microscopy Engineer

Contact
mahesh.thaliath@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 0034

Role
Mahesh is responsible for the servicing and maintenance of SMM’s fleet of advanced microscopy equipment.