In Fixation on Histology’s segment, Histology Highlights, we interview histologists from across the country, to learn more about how they got into the field, and the important work they are doing in their labs.
This week’s histology highlight features NSH member, Charlene Henry, who will soon be retiring from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after 34 years. Charlene has been a long-time member of NSH, attending events such as the Symposium/Convention, and NSH’s laboratory webinar series.
NSH: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Charlene: I have been married for 43 years and have three wonderful children. My husband and I are very active in our local church and head up a small group, which we enjoy very much. We are both looking forward to retirement, so we can travel in our RV, relax and enjoy spending time together.
NSH: How did you get into Histology?
Charlene: During my senior year in High School, a pathologist from University of Tennessee came to our school and asked to meet with seniors that were majoring in math and science.
Since I was majoring in both math and science, I decided to sign up to meet with the pathologist. I was selected out of all the students and I started to work at UT in the research area.
After being at UT for a couple of months, I started classes in the UT Histology program taught by Gerre Wells. In 1970, I took the Histology Board Exams, passed and received my HT (ASCP) certification.
NSH: Where do you currently work?
Charlene: I’m currently employed at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as Manager of Anatomic Pathology and after 34 years at St Jude I will be retiring and moving to Florida.
NSH: What is the most rewarding project you’ve ever worked on?
Charlene: The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that what we do in our lab is helping children with childhood cancer.
NSH: How did you get involved in NSH?
Charlene: At first I attended a couple of symposiums so long ago that I can’t even remember the year. I then went on to serve on the NSH Symposium Committee a couple of years and I also served as President of the TN Society of Histotechnology. I have always enjoyed comradery of being with so many fellow Histotechs over the years learning new processes and sharing some of our processes with my fellow Histotechs.
NSH: What is one thing you’re looking forward to about retirement?
Charlene: I can sit and enjoy my morning coffee and not rush out the door at 6:30 for a 45-minute trip to work.