Researcher Spotlight with Dr Kathryn Matthews and Dr Bing-Ru Wu
Dr Kathryn Matthews is Manager at the School of Medicine Biological Imaging Facility (SoMBIF). She’s responsible for overseeing the operation and development of imaging equipment used by researchers across Deakin University.
Dr Matthews has been managing the facility for several years, and also conducts scientific research aimed at finding novel ways to target pathogens affecting the agricultural industry, with a focus on preventing human contamination during food consumption. Before diving into this research area, her projects focused on protein functions and interactions in malaria-causing parasites.
Dr Bing-Ru Wu specialises in leveraging flow cytometry to investigate immune responses in both humans and animals. His work focuses on providing training and professional support to users, ensuring they can effectively utilise this powerful flow cytometry technology. With over seven years of experience in flow cytometry, Dr Wu transitioned from his previous role as a clinical laboratory virologist, where he gained extensive hands-on experience with HIV infections, antiviral therapies, and sexually transmitted diseases.
What excites you about your research?
Dr Matthews: I’m deeply passionate about enhancing the biological imaging facility at Deakin’s Geelong campus.
When I first started my research at Deakin we faced significant challenges with outdated equipment, which made capturing the microscopic world incredibly difficult. I’m determined to ensure that future generations of researchers have access to cutting-edge microscopy technology, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Right now, my goals are based on securing funding to expand our collection of high-end imaging technology and further improve the facility. After successfully installing a new confocal microscope, the next priority is providing comprehensive training for students and staff to ensure they can maximise the capabilities of the equipment and elevate their research.
Dr Wu: My passion is in applying flow cytometry to advance human health. As Flow Cytometry Manager, I oversee the daily operations of the core facility, ensuring optimal equipment performance, providing expert training, and troubleshooting technical issues. I also design and execute experiments, analyse data, and develop innovative protocols to push the frontiers of research, while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in the lab.
What has driven you to work together, and what does the research collaboration look like?
Both: Our transition into the role of Facilities Managers is driven by our passion for advancing the essential research tools that support groundbreaking discoveries. With firsthand experience in the impact of flow cytometry and microscopy on scientific progress, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation. We are excited to manage the flow cytometry and microscopy facilities, providing expert support and guidance to researchers, and empowering them to make meaningful advancements in their fields.
Being based at Deakin University in Geelong presents a unique challenge, as we are geographically distanced from Melbourne, where many established core facilities are located. Despite this, our researchers are full of creativity and have an impressive work ethic. By improving and managing our core facilities, we aim to give our rural research community the ability to conduct crucial imaging experiments on-site, eliminating the need for time- consuming trips to other facilities and ultimately enhancing Deakin’s research output.
What does the broader impact of your research look like?
Through ongoing improvements of our microscopy, flow cytometry equipment, and training at Deakin’s School of Medicine, we are empowering researchers to broaden their project goals by providing the necessary tools and support. Our roles have a wider impact by providing researchers with access to high-quality, reliable technology, enabling them to engage with the global research community through their research outputs. Additionally, the research outcomes we support can contribute to better health outcomes, improving lives and advancing public health worldwide.
Who else do you work with as part of your research?
As we work to expand our facilities, we’ve consulted with established core facilities to learn which processes and equipment contribute to an efficient operation. While some institutions may be larger than our Deakin Geelong facility, we’re focused on laying the groundwork for future growth. We actively collaborate with researchers, lab scientists, and laboratory teams from various disciplines, including immunology, cancer research, and molecular biology. Crucially, we work closely with core facility staff and technical teams to ensure the optimal functionality of our equipment and the accuracy of data analysis. These collaborations are essential in helping users recognise the value and potential of microscopy and flow cytometry in advancing their research.
What have been some of your recent career highlights?
Much of our success hinges on securing funding through both internal and external grants. These grants enable us to purchase cutting-edge equipment that expands the capabilities of our facilities and drives new possibilities in research.
A major highlight in 2024 was the acquisition and installation of the Nikon AX confocal microscope, valued at $350,000. Funding for this purchase came from the Ian Potter Foundation, with additional co-contributions from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research. Throughout 2024, our researchers have been familiarising themselves with the new equipment, and some have already used it to prove their concepts and accelerate their projects.
For the Flow Cytometry Facility, a significant achievement in 2024 was securing the NHMRC Equipment Grant for $35,289. This funding will support and encourage researchers to make full use of our flow cytometry sorters.
What is your research focus for 2025?
We’re continuously working to secure funding and expand our equipment. To ensure our systems meet the evolving needs of our users, we actively listen to their feedback.
Many researchers are eager to enhance their imaging capabilities, particularly by incorporating live cell imaging over time. To support this, we’re actively seeking funding to purchase a heated stage top chamber.
At the same time, optimising the use of flow cytometry sorters and analysers to improve data accuracy and throughput is a top priority for 2025. We’re also focused on streamlining sorting protocols for high-dimensional analysis and integrating advanced technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, to better support our researchers.
