Program Director, Senior Staff Pathologist
Phone: (870) 543-7404
Email: pritpal.malhi@fda.hhs.gov
Dr. Malhi earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Punjab Agricultural University, India. After a stint in veterinary practice, he obtained a faculty position at the Punjab Agricultural University, India, where he taught undergraduate veterinary students and conducted research for the next five years.
Dr. Malhi immigrated to Canada in 2002 and was accepted into the PhD program in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. During the PhD program, he investigated mechanisms of reproductive aging in cattle, as a model to elucidate age-associated infertility in women. During this period, he also obtained his veterinary license by successfully completing the North-American veterinary licensing examinations for foreign veterinary graduates.
After completing graduate studies, Dr. Malhi joined the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a Veterinarian. Later, he was accepted into the residency program in veterinary anatomic pathology at the Kansas State University. Upon completion of the residency program, Dr. Malhi set for and successfully completed the certification examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in the year 2012.
Dr. Malhi returned to Canada and worked as a Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist in a high-throughput state diagnostic laboratory for few years before accepting a Toxicologic Pathologist position with Citoxlab, a Charles River Company. While at Citoxlab, he served as a study pathologist for a variety of general toxicologic, reproductive and radiation studies in a variety of rodent and non-rodent species.
In 2019, Dr. Malhi was recruited by Toxicologic Pathology Associates, Inc. (TPA) and is currently serving with the TPA team as the Program Director and Senior Staff Pathologist in support of the research community at the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR). Dr. Malhi is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Senior Staff Pathologist
Phone: (870) 543-7265
Email: Ada.CinoOzuna@fda.hhs.gov
Dr. Cino earned her D.V.M. in 2009, from the National University of Asuncion, Paraguay and her Ph.D. in 2016, from Kansas State University. She also completed a rigorous residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Kansas State University in 2013. In 2014, while at Kansas State, Dr. Cino successfully completed the certification examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologist (ACVP). Following her training and certification, she worked a combined 8+ years as a Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist, first at the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Kansas State University) and then at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (Oklahoma State University), both of which are high-throughput state diagnostic laboratories. In 2023, Dr. Cino accepted a Senior Staff Pathologist position with Toxicologic Pathology Associates at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), located in Jefferson, Arkansas.
During her years in academia, Dr. Cino worked with a variety of small and large animal species performing necropsies, reading biopsies, and writing pathology reports. She also participated and/or collaborated on more than 80 research projects, mostly focusing on mechanisms of disease and pathogenicity of viral diseases, immunology, and infectious diseases of diverse animal species, with a focus on swine diseases. Her personal research work involved characterization of a newly recognized line of pigs with natural severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and their response to common viral diseases of swine. She collaborated on multiple research projects involving work with transboundary infectious diseases in BSL-3 biocontainment including African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus, Highly Pathogenic PRRSV, and Ehrlichia ruminantium.
Dr. Cino maintains an Adjunct Assistant Professorship in the Department of Pathobiology at Kansas State University and an Adjunct Professorship in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She is a member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the Latin American Chapter of the Davis-Thompson Foundation.
Senior Staff Pathologist
Phone: (870) 543-7689
Email: kelly.davis@fda.hhs.gov
Dr. Davis earned his D.V.M. from Auburn University. After seven years of successful private practice, Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and from 1983-1988 was assigned to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Naval Station, Guam as a Veterinary Officer prior to becoming eligible for a residency training program.
From 1988-1991, Dr. Davis was a veterinary pathology resident at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Dr. Davis successfully completed the certifying examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) and became a Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists (DACVP).
From 1991-1996, Dr. Davis was assigned to the Pathology Division of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases where he served as Chief of the Department of Immunohistochemistry and later as Chief of the Experimental Pathology Branch. As Chief of Immunohistochemistry, he directed a laboratory that developed new immunocytochemical assays for cell markers, infectious disease agents and toxins and provided routine immunohistochemistry support to numerous research protocols.
From 1996-1998, Dr. Davis was assigned to the Medical Research and Materiel Command where he served as the Program Director for the Medical Biological Defense Research Program.
From 1998-1999, Dr. Davis was assigned as Commander of the 248th Medical Detachment where he served a successful battalion-level command tour. The rapidly deployable medical unit had six veterinary teams assigned to five Department of Defense installations.
From 1999-2003, Dr. Davis was assigned back to the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases where he served as Chief of the Pathology Division and later as the Deputy Commander of the Institute.
From 2003-2009, following his retirement from military service, Dr. Davis served as a Senior Staff Pathologist and Project Manager and later as a Division Director for Pathology Associates at Charles River Laboratories, Redfield, Arkansas.
Dr. Davis joined the TPA/NCTR staff as a senior staff pathologist in July 2009 and served as Director of Laboratory Operations from 2013 to 2019.
Senior Staff Pathologist
Phone: (919) 482-3422
Email: golsondvm@gmail.com
For the past 18 years, Dr. Olson has been an essential member of the pathology team at the NCTR, quickly gaining respect from his contractor and NCTR client colleagues. Dr. Olson has made vital contributions to PAI since joining as a pathologist/program manager in February of 1985. He earned his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from Iowa State University and his M.S. and D.V.M. from Michigan State University. Prior to earning his Ph.D., he managed a successful private veterinary practice.
From 1985–2001, Dr. Olson supported EPA-sponsored environmental research programs. He served as a Managing Scientist, Principal Pathologist, Project Manager and Program Manager on 10 separate EPA contracts with a combined value of more than $35 million.
Dr. Olson joined the PAI/NCTR staff in January 2001 as a senior staff pathologist. He is responsible for applied research in the toxicologic pathology of drugs and food-borne chemicals, especially histopathological analysis of tissues from subchronic and chronic rodent carcinogenicity bioassays. He has participated as the study pathologist on the following bioassays: Genistein: Evaluation of Reproductive Effects over Multiple Generations and the Chronic Effect of Exposure during Various Stages of Life, Ethinyl Estradiol: Evaluation of Reproductive Effects over Multiple Generations and the Chronic Effect of Exposure during Various Stages of Life, Phototoxicity of Retinyl Palmitate, Genistein in the Rat Mammary Gland Model, HIV Drug Combination, Tattoo Pigment Phototoxicity, Caloric Restriction in the F-344 Rat, Oral Aloe Vera, Acrylamide, Glycidamide, Usnic Acid, Usnea Barbata, Usnea Lichen, BPA, Triclosan, Furan, Melamine, Nanosilver and Oxybenzone, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Brominated Vegetable Oil, Aspirin, Lumbrokinase, and Nattokinase.
Dr. Olson’s pathology and collaborative research efforts at the NCTR have been very well received by the NCTR’s investigative community. He has been a participant in numerous PWG’s and Technical Report reviews. His exceptionally strong toxicologic pathology experience as well as his understanding and appreciation for the efficiencies provided by technologic innovation are ideal for his position at the NCTR.
Manager, IHC and Molecular Pathology Laboratory
Phone: (870) 543-7026
Email: lana.elkins@fda.hhs.gov
Dr. Elkins earned her M.S. degree from Arkansas State University (ASU) in 2012 working on production of a protein subunit vaccine against flu. She continued her education at ASU where she earned her Ph.D. degree in molecular biosciences in 2019 researching the production of a therapeutic protein for mitigating disease in aquaculture catfish. She continued work at ASU in a post-doctoral teaching position in the Department of Biology where she also researched the enhanced delivery of fish therapeutics.
In 2021, Dr. Elkins accepted a post-doctoral fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital working with endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and their role in preventing protein aggregation. Near the end of her fellowship, Dr. Elkins was recruited by TPA and officially joined our team in 2022 as a research associate. In 2024, she took over as the manager of the molecular pathology laboratory. The primary role of this lab is to use molecular pathology techniques for locating, identifying, and quantifying target molecules of interest in a variety of cells and tissues. This involves adapting methods for new applications and development of novel methods and procedures. Dr. Elkins brings to the TPA Team over 10 years of training and experience in molecular biology protein biochemistry and cell biology.
Manager, Clinical Pathology
Email: cindy.hooter@fda.hhs.gov
Cindy Hooter serves as our Clinical Pathology Manager, bringing over 14 years of laboratory
experience across hospital, clinical, reference, and private laboratory settings. She is a
certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP) with extensive expertise in high-complexity
testing, quality control, instrumentation management, and laboratory operations.
Throughout her career, Cindy has led and supported laboratory teams in specimen
processing, microscopic analysis, quality assurance reporting, calibration and maintenance of
advanced laboratory instrumentation, and staff training. She has worked in diverse healthcare
environments including hospitals, specialty clinics, and reference laboratories, ensuring
accurate diagnostics and efficient laboratory workflows that support positive patient outcomes.
In addition to her strong technical background, Cindy has experience in laboratory leadership,
inventory management, workflow optimization, and collaboration with healthcare providers to
maintain compliance and improve operational efficiency.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory
Technology from Panola College. Her dedication to excellence, precision, and patient centered
laboratory care makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Senior Advisor, Clinical Services
Email: ralph.patton@fda.hhs.gov
Before coming to NCTR, Mr. Patton had more than 31 years of experience in both the technical and operational aspects of the clinical laboratory. Prior experience included serving as operational manager of laboratory services for a national laboratory in Arkansas, where he supervised more than 60 employees at seven locations. He is certified as a medical laboratory technician with the American Society of Clinical Pathology and as a medical technologist with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. He is also a national member of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry. He is skilled in all aspects of clinical chemistry and hematology for multiple species and has an excellent understanding of GLPs and clinical quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs.
Ralph joined our team in 1996 and served as the manager and/or supervisor of the clinical chemistry/hematology laboratory for about 27 years until his retirement from full-time position in 2023. Ralph has vast experience, institutional knowledge, is a very valuable asset and is still willing to help our clinical pathology laboratory on as-needed basis. We thank Ralph for his services, wish him all the best but hope to continue this renewed relationship.
Manager, Research Services
Email: alan.warbritton@fda.hhs.gov
Alan Warbritton serves as our Research Services Manager, bringing more than 50 years of
experience in toxicologic pathology, histotechnology, biomedical photography, and laboratory
leadership. A registered Histology Technician (HT) with the American Society for Clinical
Pathologists (ASCP), he has dedicated his career to supporting advanced research and
pathology services at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) and affiliated
institutions.
Alan has managed pathology laboratories, supervised histology and necropsy
operations, and provided specialized expertise in immunohistochemistry, tissue fixation,
image analysis, and digital pathology systems. He has helped develop innovative laboratory
methods, remote slide conferencing capabilities, and archival systems that improved
efficiency and collaboration for scientists and pathologists nationwide.
His work has contributed to hundreds of scientific publications, and he has received numerous service and achievement awards recognizing his technical mastery, leadership, and long-standing commitment to excellence. In addition to his laboratory career, Alan retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman after nearly 30 years of honorable
service.
Program Manager
Phone: (870) 543-7035
Email: betty.raiford@fda.hhs.gov
Ms. Raiford is a 45+ year veteran of the NCTR and a highly respected member of our organization. She is an ASCP-certified histology technician. She has served in roles of increasing responsibility as a necropsy and histology technician, research technologist, NCTR-qualified pathologist assistant, and operations manager for the technical support area.
In the role of Program Manager, she coordinates all recruitment, new hires, terminations, and disciplinary actions. She works with the Program Director, laboratory managers, NCTR division directors and principle investigators to identify personnel requirements. She plans and develops protocol budget requirements within limits of the contract.
Ms. Raiford’s thorough grounding in the technical areas is essential in costing protocols. Her contacts with the NCTR scientific community during her former role as operations manager have earned the confidence and respect of all members of that group. Ms. Raiford’s experience and dedication, her personal standard of excellence, popular leadership, and her high regard from the NCTR, government, and other contractor personnel make her an invaluable team member. Her mastery of the many facets of her job, her positive commitment to the welfare of the employees, and her prodigious capacity for work make her a source of confidence and pride among the staff.
Ms. Raiford’s overall responsibility is to manage all administrative and technical aspects of the contract, marshalling the technical resources to deliver the materials and reports the pathologists require in their evaluations of the studies.
Contract Administrator
Phone: (870) 543-7402
Email: becky.vilches@fda.hhs.gov
Ms. Vilches is responsible for coordinating the full complement of administrative activities of the pathology contract. Her specific experience for the contract includes payroll and benefits; all budgetary functions, from proposal preparation to monthly billing; overseeing travel arrangements for professional and technical staff; overseeing monthly charges for labor; contract administration between TPA and the NCTR Federal COs; coordination of monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual financial reports; IAG/NCTR cost recovery system; identifying and tracking cost on a monthly basis for all experiments supported by pathology; and deliverables (such as reports) as indicated in the contract. Ms. Vilches routinely interacts with the NCTR contracts staff, the NCTR planning staff, the NCTR/NTP liaison staff and the NCTR Federal Contract Offices to provide accurate information needed for tracking and billing of labor and materials and supplies.
Ms. Vilches’ invaluable experience, outgoing personality, industriousness and commitment to excellence are second to none. Her rapport with NCTRs contract administration personnel has been a strong positive factor in the harmonious working relationship we have enjoyed with that group over the past 35+ years.
Quality Assurance Manager
Phone: (870) 543-7716
Email: lisa.wiley@fda.hhs.gov
As Quality Assurance Manager, Ms. Wiley provides the TPA team with quality assurance and GLP-compliance-related services that have been repeatedly applauded by our NCTR clients and representatives from other organizations. Ms. Wiley is skilled in quality assurance management with an understanding of compliance requirements for all aspects of toxicology studies.
With 45+ years of experience in biomedical services gained in the Pathology Division at the NCTR, Ms. Wiley has extensive experience in rodent toxicology, computerized pathology data systems and quality control practices with quality assurance oversight in a GLP laboratory. During her tenure with our NCTR team Ms. Wiley has held multiple positions in the Pathology laboratory including necropsy technician and histology technician (HT/ASCP certified). Other positions she has held include research technologist, pathologist assistant, Data Administrator and Quality Assurance Specialist leading into her current role of Quality Assurance Manager.
As Quality Assurance Manager for TPA, Ms. Wiley is responsible for planning, auditing and reporting Quality Assurance activities to ensure compliance with FDA and EPA regulations and OECD guidelines, standard operating procedures and TPA company policies. Ms. Wiley is charged with monitoring and verifying the accuracy and completeness of data produced and collected by TPA personnel and provides quality assurance oversight for all aspects of TPA services. With 30+ years of specialized experience in Quality Assurance, Ms. Wiley also provides GLP training to all TPA personnel as well as interpretation and guidance for all regulatory matters to the TPA team. In addition to providing these services to TPA, Ms. Wiley is an experienced trainer for the FDA Advanced Non-Clinical Bioresearch Monitoring Program and has conducted numerous training courses by invitation. She has also presented multiple training classes in GLP for the National Society of Histotechnology by invitation.
Chairman, CEO
Phone: (239) 248-4592
Email: glknutsen@aol.com
Dr. Knutsen, TPA’s Chairman and CEO, is a veterinary toxicologic pathologist who has been establishing, operating and investing in contract research discovery and preclinical pathology companies for over 45 years. In 1981, he founded Pathology Associates International (PAI), a company that over two decades grew into the largest contract toxicologic pathology specialty organization in the world prior to its sale to Charles River Laboratories in 2001. In 2004 when a unique FDA-sponsored small business contract research opportunity became available, Knutsen helped a number of his former colleagues at PAI establish TPA, an entity that for the past 21 years has provided high profile toxicologic pathology research services in support of FDA’s distinguished National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Jefferson, Arkansas. In 2006, Knutsen founded Systems Pathology Company, a Seattle-based artificial intelligence digital pathology imaging company that closely collaborated with both TPA and the FDA/NCTR before Charles River Laboratories purchased the company in 2009. A graduate of Cornell College (BA, 1969) with graduate degrees from Iowa State University in veterinary medicine (DVM, 1975) and physiology (MS, 1975), Knutsen received his pathology residency training while an officer in the United States Army, serving for six years as a member of the research team at the Army’s infectious disease research center (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick, Maryland.
Chief Financial Officer and Contracts Manager
Phone: (301) 471-0069
Email: wjm19@aol.com
Bill has over 40 years of accounting, financial management and government contracting experience. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University in June of 1986 and passing the CPA exam in November 1986, he spent 8 years working for a public accounting firm where he specialized in government contract accounting, auditing and tax compliance. In 1994 Bill joined Pathology Associates where he worked for over 10 years serving as the Chief Financial Officer until the sale of the company in 2001. Thereafter, he continued to serve in numerous financial and general business management roles including General Manager of the Pathology Associates Division. Bill has been involved with Toxicologic Pathology Associates (TPA) since its inception, assisting with the formation of the company and establishing the accounting policies and procedures. In addition to directing the accounting and financial reporting compliance, he has overall responsibility for the financial and contract management of TPA.