Congratulations to the Recipients
The IAC Foundation is delighted to announce the recipients of the travel grants for 2025. A call for applications was made in October 2024 and closed in December 2024. Many very compelling applications were received. The Foundation Committee evaluated the submissions blindly and awarded 5 grants based on merit and need.
Below are the five IAC members who have been selected to receive a grant to support their attendance at the 2025 International Academy of Cytology meeting in Florence, Italy. Please join us in sending a well-deserved CONGRATULATIONS!!
Washington Ochieng, CMIAC, Kenya
I am currently working at the University of Nairobi as a Senior Technologist (Cytology) where I do gynecological and non-gynecological slides evaluation. In addition, I also teach BSc Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, and MSc Clinical Cytology students on Cytology specimen processing and screening.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Technology and Masters of Science in Clinical Cytology both from the University of Nairobi. Professionally, I am a member of the International Academy of Cytology (IAC) and Professional Researchers in Biomedical Science (SPRBS).
Dr. Ammara Anwar, MIAC, Pakistan
I am Dr Ammara Anwar from Pakistan and I have been working in the field of histopathology since 2016 with a special interest in cytopathology. I work as consultant pathologist in a social security hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Since the dawn of my career I had great interest in cytopathology and its a huge honor for me to be a member of IAC. It gives me immense pleasure that I will be able to attend the upcoming IAC congress in Florence,2025.
Dr. Zulda Musyarifah, FIAC, Indonesia
I currently work as a Pathologist at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, a tertiary and teaching hospital in Padang, Indonesia. I completed my Anatomical Pathology residency at Andalas University in Padang, Indonesia, and became board-certified in Anatomical Pathology by the Indonesian College of Pathology in 2020.
In my career journey, I developed a deep interest in cytology, realizing our region’s limitations in facilities and infrastructure. I believed it was essential to study and master the morphology of each cell, as it can guide us toward an accurate diagnosis. I am incredibly grateful to the International Academy of Cytology for providing invaluable support and opportunities to enhance my knowledge and skills in cytology.
Carmen Ferone Maisto, CFIAC, Chile
Carmen Ferone Maisto, began her career in cytotechnology during her studies at the Universidad de Chile, inspired by the work of physicians and technologists in the field. Her passion for cytopathology has driven her academic and professional journey, including her role as a lecturer at various universities and her practical experience in renowned laboratories such as Clínica Alemana and Citolab. She was mentored by Dr. Rodrigo Prado, who played a key role in her introduction to the field of cytotechnology. Additionally, she completed a cytopathology fellowship under the guidance of Professor Giorgio Brattina at Ospedale San Gerardo di Monza and Ospedale Niguarda in Italy. As a member of the International Academy of Cytology, she finds great fulfilment in contributing to advancements in the field and mentoring future professionals.
Dr. Mariia Panko, MIAC, Ukraine
My journey in cytology began when I was looking for a base for my internship. It was at this time that I made a fateful meeting with my teacher, Pavlina Botsun, who invited me to a tour of the laboratory. In April 2021, I started working in the Cytomorphology Department, where I am currently employed. At the moment, I am describing gynaecological smears and thyroid FNA. I have a great desire to develop further, to study all areas of non-gynaecological cytology and to popularise this area of diagnostics in Ukraine.