Notes from the field: CytoCell Field Application Specialist, Gothami Fonseka

OGT offers unparalled technical support for FISH. Learn more about how Gothami Fonseka, CytoCell^® FISH Field Application Specialist, works with customers, and what is the first thing she might check for on a troubleshooting call.

What was your lab experience prior to becoming an FAS?

I worked as a Research Scientist in CytoCell R&D for 5 years before I started the FAS role. I was involved in new FISH probe development and optimization to achieve commercial levels of stability and performance. 

What made you transition from the lab to an FAS role?

As much as I enjoyed my R&D work, I really wanted to have interactions with the end user of our products.  Therefore, I was looking for an opportunity that involved a customer facing role while utilizing my technical skills. FAS role was exactly what I was looking for!

What are the most common support issues customers?

Customers often ask for support with their FFPE protocols. Most of the time FFPE protocols need a little bit of optimization with regards to pre-treatment and digestion times.

What are some of the challenges you face as an FAS? 

FAS position is an extremely vibrant role. When I am making a customer visit, I do prepare the best I can but you always have to be prepared for the unprepared!

What do you find most rewarding about being an FAS?

I find it really rewarding to be able to support our customers when they really need our help. The work we do and the time spent with the customer really helps them to improve the quality of their results!

Most interesting support resolution? 

The most common error is weak FISH signals due to incorrect denaturation temperature on the display of the hotplate or automated hybridizer. Denaturation temperature is very critical to good quality FISH signals. It is a good idea to double check the hotplate/hybridizer temperature with a temperature monitor; do not just rely on the reading on the display.