Versiti - VBRI Researcher Nicole Leon Named 2025 Histotechnologist of the Year

VBRI Researcher Nicole Leon Named 2025 Histotechnologist of the Year

Wauwatosa, WI — October 15, 2025

Nicole Leon, senior coordinator of the Histology Core at Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), was recently named the 2025 Histotechnologist of the Year by the National Society of Histotechnology (NSH). The award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication, service, and impact in the histotechnology field.

“It means a lot to see the work I’ve put into advancing this amazing profession be recognized,” Leon says. “I’ve been very involved in the histology field and with NSH for many years, so being recognized like this is incredibly humbling.”

Histology is a branch of biology that studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. In health care, histology is vital for detecting things like infection or cancerous cells within patient cell samples. Histotechnologists prepare tissues for microscopic examination.

After a long clinical career and more than 25 years of experience in adult and pediatric pathology, Leon joined VBRI to lead the histology core lab. “Since making the switch from clinical histology to research, I’ve learned so much and really enjoy diving into a whole new side of the field,” she says. “On top of that, the people here at VBRI are great. The collaborative environment has been such a refreshing change of pace.”

She is active in the NSH, serving as Chair of the Lab Operations Committee and a member of the Program Team. Leon also serves on advisory boards for the Marshfield Clinic Histology Program and Mopec Group and is a member of the Wisconsin Histology Society.

Leon says when she was still figuring out what to do with her human biology degree, her advisor helped her learn about histology as a career path. “It immediately felt like the right fit. Nearly 30 years later, I can confidently say I found my calling. I truly love what I do. It’s incredibly meaningful to play a part in a patient’s care, even if it’s behind the scenes. The impact we make is powerful, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

Leon was officially presented with the 2025 Histotechnologist of the Year award at the NSH Histotechnology Convention in Long Beach, California on Sept. 27, 2025.

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