Adama Diene
Bronx,USA
Summary
Senior Cytogenetics Technologist with 25 years of successful experience in clinical cancer cytogenetics. Expert in microscopy, chromosome imaging, karyotyping, and analysis of highly complex abnormal cases including AML, CLL, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Proven leader with experience training technologists, reviewing complex cases, and supporting laboratory quality, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist
Cairo Diagnostics
West Harrison, NY
04.2022 - Current
- Perform advanced microscopy, chromosome imaging, and karyotyping for cancer bone marrow, peripheral blood, and tissue specimens.
- Analyze and complete extraordinarily complex abnormal cases with multiple clones and subclones (AML, CLL, lymphoma, multiple myeloma).
- Utilize CytoVision and Metafor for high-accuracy metaphase analysis and karyotype generation.
- Take ownership of challenging cases and finalize accurate ISCN nomenclature.
- Support supervisors and managers by reviewing metaphases and karyotypes.
- Participate in CAP and New York State proficiency testing and continuing education.
- Assist in cross-functional laboratory operations as needed.
Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist
BioReference Laboratories / OPKO Health
Elmwood Park, NJ
06.2014 - 03.2022
- Performed second-round reviews and final analysis of cancer bone marrow cytogenetics cases.
- Led analysis of highly abnormal, composite, and complex karyotypes.
- Prepared preliminary karyotype reports for supervisory review.
- Trained newly hired technologists in microscopy, metaphase capture, and software analysis.
- Selected in 2019 to perform molecular RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.
- Participated in CAP and NYS proficiency testing and ongoing education.
- Worked closely with laboratory director Dr. Karim Wahchi.
Technologist III / Lead Technologist
Cancer Genetics Inc.
Rutherford, NJ
04.2010 - 05.2014
- Conducted in-depth cytogenetic analysis for clinical trial and routine oncology patients.
- Specialized in complex abnormal chromosome analysis using MetaSystem.
- Reviewed karyotypes and finalized ISCN nomenclature.
- Trained and mentored junior technologists.
- Participated in evaluation and implementation of BioView imaging software.
- Engaged in journal clubs, conferences, and CAP / NYS proficiency programs.
Technologist II
Wyckoff Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY
07.2007 - 03.2010
- Performed wet lab processing for constitutional cytogenetics (newborns, routine, high-resolution studies).
- Set up cultures, harvested specimens, prepared slides, and performed G-banding.
- Conducted detailed chromosome analysis for suspected aneuploidy and structural abnormalities.
- Used MetaSystem software for metaphase capture and karyotyping.
- Prepared cases for director review under Dr. Arwin Babu.
Technologist I
Quest Diagnostics
Teterboro, NJ
12.2004 - 06.2007
- Performed cytogenetic analysis of cancer bone marrow and leukemic blood specimens.
- Generated karyotypes using CytoVision.
- UroVysion FISH analysis training for bladder cancer specimens.
Trainee / Cytogenetics Technologist
IMPATH Inc.
Phoenix, AZ
01.2001 - 12.2004
- Completed intensive wet lab and microscopy training in cytogenetics.
- Certified as Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics (CG) in March 2002.
- Transferred to New York facility as a certified cytogenetics technologist.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences & Chemistry
Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, NYSkills
- Cancer Cytogenetics (Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood, Tissue)
- Advanced Karyotyping & ISCN Nomenclature
- Complex & Composite Abnormal Karyotypes
- Microscopy & Chromosome Imaging Analysis
- Software: CytoVision, MetaSystem, BioView, Metafor
- FISH (Basic Probes)
- Wet Lab: Culture Setup, Harvesting, G-Banding
- Quality Control & Proficiency Testing (CAP, NYS)
- Staff Training & Case Review Leadership
- Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) basic training in Phoenix, AZ
Cytogenetics
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and probes
- Hybridize cells on slide preparations with probes
- Use of a fluorescent microscope to analyze and score basic FISH probes on slides
- Tissue culture works for maintaining cell lines
- Protein extraction and purification utilizing sucrose gradient
- DNA extraction and purification utilizing Quiagen and CsCl2
- Southern Blo as well as Western Blot
- COVID-19 Molecular Test
- RNA extraction and purification of SARS-CoV-2 through chemical reactions and spinning
- Real-Time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2
Other Skills: Basic Molecular Biology and Genetics
Certification
- CG(ASCP) – Active (Expires Dec 2027)
- New York State Cytogenetics License – Active (Expires Sept 30, 2027)
- Former NCA-Certified CLSp(CG)
Timeline
Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist
Cairo Diagnostics
04.2022 - Current
Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist
BioReference Laboratories / OPKO Health
06.2014 - 03.2022
Technologist III / Lead Technologist
Cancer Genetics Inc.
04.2010 - 05.2014
Technologist II
Wyckoff Medical Center
07.2007 - 03.2010
Technologist I
Quest Diagnostics
12.2004 - 06.2007
Trainee / Cytogenetics Technologist
IMPATH Inc.
01.2001 - 12.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences & Chemistry
Hunter College, City University of New York