9:00 – 9:10

Welcome Address

Adam Smith

VP, Life Science Applications 

Indica Labs 

9:10 – 9:40

HALO®: Powering Discovery with AI 

Maciej Zerkowski  

Manager, Life Science Applications

Indica Labs

Abstract

Join us for a live demonstration of the intuitive HALO® image analysis platform. This session will highlight HALO’s powerful analytic capabilities, flexibility, and scalability, supporting diverse research areas such as immuno-oncology, neuroscience, metabolism, and infectious disease. The pre-trained AI-based nuclear and membrane segmentation networks available in HALO 4.0 will also be introduced. Whether you’re new to HALO or a current customer, this software demonstration of the latest release will help you understand workflows, explore the image analysis and add-on options available with HALO, and enhance your skills with routine tasks such as annotation, basic cell classification, and segmentation.

9:40 – 10:10

HALO AI: Advancing Discovery with Trainable AI

Maciej Zerkowski  

Manager, Life Science Applications

Indica Labs

Abstract

Building on the foundations laid in the previous session, this presentation and live demonstration will delve deeper into the capabilities of HALO AI networks. See examples of their application in common image analysis workflows and learn how HALO AI can be utilized for advanced tissue classification with MiniNet and DenseNet networks. Discover how SlideQC BF detects common artifacts and how to create custom networks for membrane and nuclear segmentation for use in HALO modules. Additionally, explore options for cell phenotyping with HALO AI and find out how the new AI Annotation tool reduces the effort required to add training data to a network. 

10:10 - 10:40

HALO Link: Promoting Discovery Through Collaboration

Michael Tomac

Applications Scientist

Indica Labs

Abstract 

Next, we shift our focus to HALO Link, which enables users to collaboratively manage studies, incorporate images and metadata, and visualize data. This presentation will highlight common HALO Link workflows, including navigating studies, working with metadata, and collaborating on task-based AI-powered image analysis workflows. Discover the powerful plotting functionalities available to visualize data across a study, including heatmaps, scatter plots, violin plots, and box and whisker plots. Additionally, learn about the new functionality supporting auditing and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) workflows in the 4.0 release of HALO Link.

10:40 - 11:10

Coffee Break & Networking 

11:10 –11:40

Multi-Module HALO Approaches to Quantifying Complex ISH-IHC Multiplex Assays for Treatment Assessment

Stacy Star Moskowitz

Senior Scientist

Neuroscience Department

Novartis Biomedical Research

Abstract 

Increasing advancements in image analysis have changed the way we can view and quantify data. In our lab, we oftentimes have complex ISH-IHC multiplex assays that require the use of different algorithms based on what questions we are asking when looking at our data. This talk will demonstrate a few examples of the HALO workflows we use to quantify mRNA and target DNA by characterizing cell-type specific expression. It will also show how we assess biodistribution and spatial information in mouse CNS FFPE tissue using different HALO modules to analyze several ISH-IHC multiplex fluorescent and chromogenic assays.

11:40 – 12:30

Masterclass: AI-Powered Image Analysis Workflows

Dr. Levi Maston

Senior Field Applications Scientist

Indica Labs 

Abstract 

In this masterclass presentation, we will explore how AI is becoming an indispensable part of HALO image analysis workflows. Building on the introduction of AI networks presented earlier, this session will cover how to add training data and train custom networks using HALO AI 4.0 for applications such as tissue classification, membrane and nuclear segmentation, and cell phenotyping. The live demonstration will showcase the utilization of custom AI networks within HALO modules and the creation of classifier pipelines for advanced workflows. Additionally, you will be introduced to the latest addition to the Indica portfolio, HALO AI Apps. The session will conclude with a 10-minute Q&A, so be sure to bring your AI-related questions.

12:30 – 1:30

Lunch

1:30 - 2:00

Comparison Among Different Spatial Platforms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dr. Elvira Mennillo

Specialist, Department of Medicine

University of California, San Francisco

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tissue multi-omics studies in IBD have highlighted the significant role of various cell types in driving disease progression and mediating treatment responses. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Vedolizumab treatment, a monoclonal anti-integrin antibody, in UC patients. We investigated the spatial heterogeneity and proximity of subsets in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) colonic biopsies using diverse proteomics and transcriptomics methods. This presentation will cover our HALO workflow in analyzing data from different high-plex methodologies, and our validation approach using combined unsupervised and supervised analyses. Spatial multi-omics using FFPE biopsies identified distinct phenotypes in mucosal biopsies of UC patients treated with Vedolizumab, showing a trend toward increased abundance and proximity of mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) and fibroblast subsets in UC patients compared to healthy patients. 

2:00 – 3:00

Masterclass: Optimizing Highly Multiplexed IF Workflows

Michael Tomac

Applications Scientist

Indica Labs

Abstract

In this masterclass presentation, learn about the myriad of multiplexing technologies in fluorescence and imaging mass cytometry and file types that are supported by the Highplex FL module of HALO. This presentation will build on earlier presentations of HALO workflows and AI applications by including an end-to-end workflow demonstration and will include tips and tricks to optimize highly multiplexed image analysis in fluorescence. Learn about the new pre-trained FL membrane segmentation model and how to utilize it alongside other AI models in the context of a classifier pipeline. Please bring your questions on multiplex image analysis in fluorescence to this session as the last 10 minutes are reserved for Q/A.

3:00 – 3:30

Iterative Image Analysis Pipelines for Identifying Pharmacodynamic and/or Efficacy Biomarkers

Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal

Director, Pathobiology

Gilead Sciences

Abstract

The presentation will focus on the intricacies of using advanced imaging and iterative image analysis pipelines for identifying pharmacodynamic and/or efficacy biomarkers.

3:30 – 4:00

Coffee Break and Networking

4:00 – 4:30

Panel Discussion: AI-Powered Workflows

Adam Smith

VP, Life Science Applications

Indica Labs

Dr. Anne Hellebust

Director of Product, Life Science

Indica Labs

Donald Allen

Product Manager, HALO AI

Indica Labs

Dr. Jeff Dzubay

Sr. Scientist, Regional Business Development, Pharma Services

Indica Labs

Maciej Zerkowski

Manager, Life Science Applications

Indica Labs

Michael Tomac

Applications Scientist

Indica Labs

Dr. Levi Maston

Senior Field Applications Scientist

Indica Labs

Abstract

In this panel discussion moderated by Adam Smith, members of our Applications, Product Management, and Executive teams come together to discuss the current and future utility of AI in image analysis and image management workflows.

4:30 – 4:50

Bench to Bedside: An Integrated Approach to Drug Development

Adam Smith

VP, Life Science Applications

Indica Labs

Abstract

With the launch of HALO AP® in 2020, Indica Labs began to offer a comprehensive workflow that allows customers to work in an integrated, streamlined environment from drug discovery through clinical trials. This approach allows for the transfer of knowledge and data seamlessly between researchers both internal and external to their respective organizations. Rather than continuously reinventing the wheel, researchers can capitalize on work done during the previous steps of drug development through products that are fully integrated and developed as a cohesive solution. This presentation focuses on Indica's strategic vision to improve drug development through collaboration with customers and vendors to develop companion diagnostics that will improve patient care by getting the right drug to the right patient.

Speaker Biographies

Donald Allen

Donald Allen earned his BS in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from UCLA. He has over 5 years of experience in R&D with Dako/Agilent in the field of companion diagnostics. He is experienced in feasibility of Class III medical device development, deployment of clinical trial assays to CROs, and the development of manual scoring algorithms. Donald now works in the field of digital pathology and image analysis to combine his work experience and his passion for computers and technology. He joined Indica Labs as an Applications Scientist in 2017, was promoted to a Sr. Applications Scientist in 2020, and most recently was promoted to the role of HALO AI Product Manager.

Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal

Abhishek Aggarwal leads the Emerging Technologies function within the Research Pathobiology group at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California. Before joining Gilead Sciences, Dr. Aggarwal received his master’s degree from Newcastle University (UK) in Medical Genetics, his PhD from Medical University of Vienna (Austria) in Cancer Biology and completed his postdoctoral training at Stanford University (USA) studying deregulated pathways that have implications in obesity and cancer. He has since worked in the pharmaceutical industry with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Inc. overseeing tissue-based biomarker strategies. At Gilead Sciences, he leads a group focused on digital pathology using emerging and multiplexing technologies across diverse therapeutic areas spanning virology, inflammation, and oncology.

Dr. Anne Hellebust

Anne Hellebust earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 2009 and a PhD in Bioengineering from Rice University in 2015. Her thesis work evaluated the use of topically applied fluorescent contrast agent cocktails to improve early cancer detection using in vivo preclinical models. During her time in the research lab, she developed a skill set focused around confocal microscopy and image analysis. In 2016, Anne joined Indica Labs as an application scientist, providing sales and technical support to customers world-wide. In 2017, Anne became the Product Manager, Life Sciences, and advanced to Director of Product - Life Sciences in 2020.

Dr. Levi Maston

Dr. Maston earned his BS in Biochemistry from New Mexico State University and his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, where he focused on vascular physiology and immunology. He followed his fascination with the tumor microenvironment from graduate school to his current role at Indica Labs. In his spare time, Levi enjoys the outdoors of the beautiful southwestern US, and can be found anywhere from whitewater rafting with his son in Durango Colorado, to racing drones at the International balloon fiesta park in Albuquerque, NM.

Dr. Elvira Mennillo

Elvira Mennillo is a Specialist in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology at UCSF, focused on understanding the causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). She pursued her doctoral studies at University of Pisa (UniPI), Italy, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), earning her PhD in Environmental Toxicology in 2016. During her two postdoctoral positions (at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco), Dr. Mennillo transitioned to human cellular biology and immunology. She is the lead author on multiple translational studies employing single-cell and spatial multi-omics on patients with IBD, including imaging, sequencing and autologous organoid co-cultures. She is an expert in spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data analysis using the MIBI, CODEX, CellDIVE, CosMx, and Xenium platforms.

Stacy Star Moskowitz

Stacy Star Moskowitz is a Senior Scientist at Novartis Biomedical Research in the Neuroscience Department. Stacy has many years of experience as a histology scientist carrying out complex multiplex IHC and ISH assays, assay optimization and algorithm development for image analysis for many programs. She also enjoys teaching, mentoring, and supervising on her current team. Stacy has a Master of Science Degree in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. Outside of the lab, Stacy enjoys spending time with family, cooking, running, and enjoying sunny San Diego.

Adam Smith

Adam is the VP of Life Science Applications at Indica Labs, Inc. He earned a BS in Biology from Ursinus College in 2004. Adam began his professional career as a biologist in the Safety Assessment department of Merck Research Laboratories in the fall of 2004. During his time at Merck he developed skills in the pathology labs from necropsy to immunohistochemistry. In 2006, Adam worked as part of a team at Merck to implement and perform a GLP validation of their digital pathology system, connecting pathologists at multiple global sites. He worked as the digital pathology lead for Merck’s Safety Assessment group, and developed image analysis protocols that have aided in establishing the safety profiles of several compounds. In 2015, Adam joined Indica Labs as an application scientist, providing training and workflow support to customers world-wide. He was promoted to Strategic Account Manager in 2017, then to Director of Life Science Applications in 2020. During that time, Adam specialized in working with customers who have a multi-site global presence in order to connect their research laboratories through the use of Indica Labs’ suite of life sciences products. Most recently, Adam was promoted to the VP of Life Science Applications role, leading the global Sales and Applications Scientist team at Indica Labs.

Michael Tomac

Michael Tomac earned his BS in Biological Sciences and MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Chapman University. His thesis investigated the effect of Inteleukin-15 on cardiac metabolism. His lab experience covers research in-vitro and in-vivo, using FISH, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. He joined Indica Labs in 2019 as an Application Scientist, and provides sales and applications support for HALO®, HALO Link, and HALO AI to customers in the central United States.

Maciej Zerkowski

Maciej manages the North American field applications team in the US and Canada, which provides applications and sales support for Indica Labs’ customers. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut, whereupon he began his professional career as a Research Assistant at Yale University, working on a then novel fluorescence-based automated quantitative image analysis (AQUA) technology. He subsequently joined HistoRx, a start-up founded to commercialize the AQUA platform, where he had the opportunity to help guide its development from a temperamental academic project into a robust and successful commercial product. Following the sale of HistoRx, he began work as a Field Application Scientist at Cambridge Research and Instrumentation, a biotechnology startup focused on multispectral imaging and analysis of tissue samples, which was eventually acquired by PerkinElmer, a global life sciences corporation. Prior to joining Indica Labs in 2022, Maciej was the lead Field Applications Scientist at Ionpath, where he worked with Ionpath’s proprietary Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) technology, a mass spectrometry imaging device enabling the simultaneous quantitation of up to 40 antibody markers on tissue sections.