Who We Are
The UT Southwestern Flow Cytometry Core Facility is a non-profit, institutionally supported shared research resource providing flow cytometry, cell sorting, imaging flow cytometry, and mass cytometry technologies in support of basic, translational, and clinical research. The Core serves as a centralized platform for cellular analysis and isolation, with an emphasis on data quality, reproducibility, and standardized workflows.
Operating as part of UT Southwestern’s network of shared research facilities, the Core works collaboratively with institutional and external research partners and follows a scientist-led, consultative model to support investigators at multiple stages of their research projects.
Leadership
Director
chaitanya.dende@utsouthwestern.edu
Dr. Dende oversees the scientific and operational direction of the Flow Cytometry Core. His research focuses on dietary and circadian regulation of macrophage biology and intestinal barrier function. As Director, he works closely with investigators to expand access to high-dimensional flow cytometry, spectral sorting, and imaging mass cytometry across UT Southwestern.
Angela Mobley
Technical Director
Angela.mobley@utsouthwestern.edu
Angela Mobley oversees day-to-day operations of the Core and provides expertise in spectral flow cytometry, CyTOF, imaging mass cytometry, cell sorting, and user training. She works closely with users to ensure data quality, instrument performance, and experimental rigor.
Scientific Staff
Alyssa Guzman, B.S.
Senior Flow Cytometrist
Research Associate
Alyssa.Guzman@UTSouthwestern.edu
Alyssa completed her B.S. in Biology at University of at San Antonio in 2012 and started working at UT Southwestern in 2013. Before joining the flow and mass cytometry core in 2018, she spent 5 years as a lab manager for Dr. Nancy Monson in the Neurology & Neurotherapeutics department at UTSW. At the flow core, Alyssa is responsible for daily QC, operation and maintenance of BD FACS Aria, Cytek Aurora CS, Standard BioTools Helios, and Hyperion, training new users to use the core’s analysis cytometers and has experience with sample processing and staining. Outside the flow core, she is an avid runner – completing a couple marathons. In addition to running marathons, she also enjoys having movie marathons.
Shaun Kirby
Cytometry & Cell Assay Specialist
Senior Research Associate
shaun.kirby@UTSouthwestern.edu
I was born and raised in Dallas TX, where I earned my B.S. and M.S. in Biology at the University of North Texas. Starting at a Microbiology lab and eventually moving my way to research I have always had a love for lab work and working in the scientific field. After working four years in a private research and development lab, I joined the UTSW Flow Cytometry Core family in 2023. In the Core I assist with all resources the facility offers including training researchers on how to operate benchtop analyzers, helping with data analysis, staining and prepping cells, and sorting cells for the entire UTSW campus. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, cross-stitching, and reading fantasy books.
Manuela Suarez
Flow Cytometry Specialist
Research Assistant I
manuela.suarez@UTSouthwestern.edu
I am originally from Colombia, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. I moved to Dallas in 2024 and completed my MS in Biotechnology from University of Texas at Dallas in 2025. At the Flow Cytometry Core, I provide support on keeping machines up to date, clean, and running experiments for customers and solving low complexity questions about the technique or the analysis software. Outside lab, I enjoy spending time with my cats, reading and exploring new places.