Awards Recipients

Luminary Lifetime Achievement

Richard Cartun, PhD

Over his 44 year career, Richard has been a dedicated supporter of NSH and histotechs everywhere. Richard shares his knowledge across multiple NSH events including the NSH Annual Convention, Lab Webinar Series, past IHC Forums and State Society Meetings. You may also recognize his name because he created and personally sponsors the NSH Jules Elias Excellence in Immunohistochemistry Award.  Richard says after attending his first NSH Convention he knew immediately that this was an organization that he wanted to be involved with, both as an attendee to learn and as an educator to teach.  I’ve always said that the Histotechnologist is the “Cornerstone” of the pathology laboratory whether its clinical or investigative work being performed.  Without you, there are no slides for clinical and research pathologists to review and do their important jobs.

Histotechnologist of the Year

David Krull, HT (ASCP), QIHC (ASCP)

Dave is a scientist who believes in the power of education. In his work with NSH he introduces new technologies and techniques ensuring NSH remains a leading source in histology information. Dave is a wonderful mentor who routinely invites others to participate in NSH so they can advance their careers.  In addition, his passion for histology inspires others to become involved in NSH and has opened the door for other NSH leaders. Dave has many publications to his name and has been recognized throughout the scientific community, including his employer’s GSK R&D Exceptional Science Awards. Dave has supported NSH’s educational mission serving as a committee chair, frequent speaker and podcast moderator.  He hosts bimonthly Research Roundtables for members of the histology research committee to share techniques and challenges in the research space. Dave says Education has been and continues to play a critical role in keeping up with the changes in our discipline and he hopes to use this award to support the creation of additional educational opportunities.

President's Award

Paule Alphonse, BS, MS, HT (ASCP)

NSH’s President, Hector Hernandez selected Paule for the wonderful example of volunteerism she displays. Over the years, Paule has participated in the Laboratory Webinar Program Team – putting together the program & serving as both a moderator and speaker, has served on various NSH committees, including the General Anatomic, which she currently chairs, the convention committee, and the nomination & elections committee, she has served in the House of Delegates and written blog posts for NSH’s Fixation on Histology. Paule shared “I’ve learned so much from the NSH, such as how to be a great histotechnologist and how to be part of a supportive community. This is why I give back. I want to continue to share what I have learned from experience, as well as what I’ve learned through the NSH”

Excellence in Service Award

Diane Sterchi, BS, MS, HT (ASCP)

Diane is described by her peers as the epitome of a Histotechnologist. Diane’s career in histology spans over 40 years during that time she has presented over 80 workshops, 40 short presentations, as well as authored multiple publications and book chapters.  She is well versed in everything histology and is always willing to share her knowledge and help others. She has been an active member of NSH during her entire career volunteering on many NSH committees as a member or chair.  She has been actively involved in NSH management, serving on the Board of Directors in multiple positions from 2008 through 2022.  Starting out as treasurer, to secretary to ultimately serving as NSH president.

Journal of Histotechnology Outstanding Publication of the Year

April Myers, Jonathan Ford, Summer Decker, Fiona Crawford, Radouil Tzekov

This year’s recipients are the authors of the paper entitled Volumetric histological characterization of optic nerve degeneration using tissue clearing: literature review and practical study. Their paper was nominated and voted on by the Journal of Histotechnology Editorial Board. April says they hope that this publication will promote the use of tissue clearing technologies for a variety of applications to enable whole-tissue imaging and analyses.

Ann Preece Award for Specialty & Esoteric Histotechnology

Sha'Aqua Asberry

Sha’Aqua’s colleague said In the spirit of Ann Preece, Aqua has made significant accomplishments in the area of non-routine samples at the Petit Institute. She has conducted fresh, cryogenic, paraffin, and resin studies and experiments on plants, animals, and inorganic materials for thesis research, federal and private grants, malpractice lawsuits, and other activities. She has orchestrated, participated in, and trained others on scientific techniques. Sha’Aqua says that she will continue to enhance my knowledge in histology and health-related disciplines to manifest my goal of developing a network that bridges the gap between research and clinical histology.

Jules Elias Award for Excellence in IHC & Molecular Techniques

Guy Orchard, PhD

Guy is an active educator, author and frequent speaker at the NSH Convention.  Guy’s glowing recommendations stated: He is an active, excellent reviewer of manuscripts related to dermatopathology particularly those involving immunohistochemistry, molecular histotechniques and Mohs surgery for the Journal of Histotechnology.  In addition he has authored the Pigments and Minerals chapter for the last two editions of  Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques, using his expertise in immunohistochemistry to update this increasingly important subject to the highest level.  More recently Guy’s natural curiosity for knowledge has lead him into molecular techniques too and he has conducted combined immunohistochemical and molecular investigations to further improve our understanding of skin cancers. A case in point is his recent publications into BRAF V600E expression in melanoma and correlating and validating its effectiveness in comparison to molecular DNA probe sequencing for the BRAF mutations. Guy is now involved with the investigations into PRAME expression in a wide variety of melanocytic tumours to determine its effectiveness in a diagnostic setting. 

Journal of Histotechnology Editor Award

Aubrey Wanner

This award is selected by Gayle Callis, the Journal of Histotechnology's Editor-in-Chief . This year Gayle select NSH staff member, Aubrey, because of her  great sense of humor and a person who is well known to everyone at NSH.  Aubrey, our new Executive Director, has always supported the Journal of Histotechnology in all her years with NSH. She helped with JOH business, the JOH presence at NSH conventions, has published two NSH surveys in JOH, and even had the difficult task as “interim Editor” while searching for a new Editor in Chief.  Gayle says she is invaluable as a friend, to JOH and NSH. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship for Excellence in Standardization of Immunohistochemical Techniques

Nadie Gale, MLT (CSMLS)

Nadia plans to use the scholarship towards education of the up and coming IHC technologists by enabling one or more to attend the 2023 NSH Convention. Nadia believes that ensuring our technologists have adequate theoretical background knowledge, we will ensure the continued success of programs like the Class II iCAPC.  This award is generously sponsored by Agilent.

New Professional Legislative Leadership

Maria Artiles

Maria attended the 2022 Legislative Symposium in September.   She plans to share what she learned in an upcoming blog post in Fixation on Histology. .

Professional Scholarship

Giorgis Yeabyo, BS, MS, HT (ASCP)

Giorgis plans to use the scholarship to continue pursuing educational opportunities so he can help improve services in Ethiopia.

Professional Scholarship

Lavinia Ray, HT (ASCP

Emerging Leader Scholarship

Victoria Lahti, BS

Student Scholarship

Megan McCart, BS

Florida State College Jacksonville

Student Scholarship

Duong Nguyen, HTL(ASCP)

School of Health Professions, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Student Scholarship

Florida State College Jacksonville

Student Scholarship

Tori Smith, MA

University of North Dakota  

Student Scholarship & Convention Leadership Scholarship

Ashley Degner, BS, MS, HTL (ASCP)

Inova Histology Program

Student Scholarship & Convention Leadership Scholarship

Marion Olayon

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