Candid conversations with the big hitters of flow cytometry presented by Dr Peter O'Toole. Brought to you by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Bitesize Bio.
Flow Stars is a podcast from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Bitesize Bio that interviews some big hitters in the flow cytometry world. Your host is Dr Peter O'Toole (University of York), an engaging and energic personality who knows how to throw a few curveballs to keep his guest on their toes.
This series takes us through the highs and lows of life in flow cytometry, looking back at guests' careers and forward to the future of this technology. Whether you already have your feet firmly in the field or are just cheering from the side lines, each episode entertains, informs, and inspires in equal measure.
https://bitesizebio.com/flowstars
In this episode, Peter O’Toole is joined by Andy Filby, a familiar name in the flow cytometry and core facility community.
Andy shares how he found his way into science, from choosing a degree in biochemistry with the help of a memorable open day and a few donuts, to stepping away from the traditional academic path after losing faith in research as a long-term career route.
He reflects on the moves that shaped his career, including time in commercial science, moving into core facility work, and becoming Professor of Practice at Newcastle University.
Along the way, Andy and Peter discuss the value of technical specialists, why technical staff need proper recognition and career progression, the importance of resilience, and the unexpected turns that can lead to a rewarding life in science.
Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com (http://flowstars.bitesizebio.com/)
11 Sept 2026
Derek Davies and Andreas Spittler
In this episode, Peter O’Toole sits down with Andreas Spittler and Derek Davies, two long-standing figures in the flow cytometry community.
Andreas and Derek look back on the unexpected routes that led them into flow cytometry and the moments that made their careers feel like the right fit. Andreas reflects on how his childhood ambition to become a teacher eventually found its place in university life, while Derek recalls how moving into a core facility opened the door to new experiments, technologies, and a wider scientific community.
They also discuss how flow cytometry has changed over the decades, the importance of supporting and training other scientists, and the challenge of stepping back from work that has shaped so much of their lives.
Along the way, Andreas shares the advice that guided his own career: find your niche, put your heart into it, and follow it with commitment.
Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com (http://flowstars.bitesizebio.com/)
14 Aug 2026
Charlotte Christie Petersen, Désirée Kunkel, and Marjolijn Hameetman
Today, our host Peter O’Toole sits down with Charlotte Christie Petersen, Désirée Kunkel, and Marjolijn Hameetman.
Together, they share the story behind the European Flow Core Meeting: a virtual event created to bring flow cytometry core facility staff together across countries, career stages, and facility sizes.
They reflect on why the meeting matters, from helping people share hard-won experience to giving core facility staff a stronger sense of community and recognition.
Along the way, they also share a few more personal stories: unexpected hobbies, cytometer mishaps, and how flow cytometry shaped not just a career, but a life.
Watch or listen to all episodes of Flow Stars: flowstars.bitesizebio.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
71
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Flow Stars
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Flow Stars?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
