Melissa Thomas Email and Phone Number

My passion lies in understanding and learning more about human disease, and ultimately using this knowledge to make a positive difference to someone else’s life. In my most recent position as a Senior Scientist at Genetic Signatures Ltd, I was responsible for the development of methylation-based kits for rapid and comprehensive detection of infectious disease, in particular viral and bacterial causal pathogens for meningitis. Prior to that, my focus was identification of epigenetic biomarkers for early detection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (completing my PhD) and colorectal cancer (part of a small team that developed a test now on the market). I spent several years at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, in Dresden, Germany, using a cell model to investigate the potential for treating established tuberculosis and/or protection against potential Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. I have more than 23 years laboratory experience (14 years in methylation-based research and development) with a broad range of scientific, research and analytical skills. I have worked in molecular and cellular biology, epigenetics, molecular diagnostics, cancer research, translational research, proteomics and microbiology. I have extensive experience in project management (planning, execution and delivery), team leadership and working as part of a team to meet deadlines. I enjoy all aspects of scientific communication, including manuscript preparation, grant and ethics applications, reporting and documentation. I received a Bachelor of Science with Distinction and University Medal in 2000. I completed my PhD (Notre Dame University of Australia, School of Medicine) in 2017: ‘DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma and Precursor Disease’.