Oliver Skinner Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney, Australia

My PhD project works on novel mouse avatars of the autoinflammatory disorder mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). This is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in mevalonate kinase, an enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. There are no effective therapies for MKD and the pathogenesis of the disease is still not fully understood. My project involves phenotyping these mice and understanding further the links between the mevalonate pathway and inflammation.

Cambridge, United Kingdom

After graduating from university I secured a position as a molecular biologist at a start-up company that specializes in designing antibodies using phage display. I learnt a wealth of molecular biology techniques which included sub-cloning into scFv, conversion of scFv into IgG and FAB format antibodies, as well creation and preparation of plasmid DNA. This experience expanded my scientific repertoire and was valuable preparation for my PhD studies. As a research assistant I worked on numerous confidential client projects including a project with Agenus where one of my additional duties was training employees in various sub-cloning procedures. Therefore I am a trusted, responsible employee who can deal with multiple projects and tasks at once.

Sydney, Australia

As part of my third year at university, I undertook a placement year. I secured a position at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research in the Bone Therapeutics lab of Professor Mike Rogers. We were studying a rare, autoinflammatory disease called hyperimmunoglobulin-D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS). We wanted to understand the mechanisms of the disease and how this can be related to the side effects observed in patients treated with bisphosphonates.I gathered experience in cell culture, two colour western blotting, RNA extraction and qPCR, flow cytometry and ELISAs. I also worked with developing a model of the disease in zebrafish and became proficient in maintaining zebrafish lines and breeding fish for egg collection. I have also undergone training in mouse handling, such as subcutaneous injections in awake mice.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Medicine

- Stuart Furler Scholarship – travel award of $5,000 awarded during my PhD candidature – travel suspended due to COVID19 pandemic - 2nd.

Bachelor’S Degree, Biochemistry, First-Class With Honours

Activities and Societies: Biosciences Society, Academic Representative, Cycling- Bill Whish Prize 2016 - Top Biochemistry Student.

High School, 3 A-Levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics), Aaa

Activities and Societies: Prefect, Football and Cricket team