As part of the biology R&D team, I contribute to the design and execution of bespoke screening assays, as well as the analysis and presentation of the data generated. I have contributed to paper publications, grant submissions and project management. I also oversee the maintenance of critical systems in the lab and of essential databases.

I worked as part of the oncology team to test newly developed compounds believed to have effect on various cancers. This work included the design, execution and optimisation of robust assays to test the effectiveness of the compounds through a screening cascade, which included biochem, in vitro and in vivo assays.In my first year I was the project leader and project manager for a project that included a collaboration with the CTX-CRC in Melbourne.

I have contributed to multiple projects including:Colorectal cancer research: Identifying novel biomarkers for pre-cancerous polyps exhibiting a specific pathway to colorectal cancer (CRC), to aid in early identification. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of frozen, human colonic polyps, tumours and normal tissue, we isolated potential genetic variations that may contribute to the progression of CRC, with further NGS validation studies conducted on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded… Show more I have contributed to multiple projects including:Colorectal cancer research: Identifying novel biomarkers for pre-cancerous polyps exhibiting a specific pathway to colorectal cancer (CRC), to aid in early identification. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of frozen, human colonic polyps, tumours and normal tissue, we isolated potential genetic variations that may contribute to the progression of CRC, with further NGS validation studies conducted on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples to support any notable findings. I was responsible for experimental design, DNA work, assisting genomic analysis, and final target selection. Glioma research: Testing an established medication with known histone deacetylase inhibitor activity that may be capable of restricting proliferation and inducing differentiation and apoptosis in cancer cells. This was an externally funded project which I was involved in the extraction, purification and analysis of histones from frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and tumours from cancer patients before, during and after receiving treatment. Organoid development: Development of a colonic, 3D organoid system for the purpose of substantiating nutritional health benefits as well as bacterial effects on gut barrier function. This work involved collaborating with Prof Tony Burgess from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, who kindly provided a working protocol and onsite training. My contribution involved the growth, maintenance, imaging, and analysis of organoids from fresh, mouse and human colonic crypts for testing bacterial and nutritional, intra-luminal co-incubation. Before the CSIRO restructure, this project was designed as a screening tool to genetically assess CRCs for treatment tailoring. Show less

My project was to investigate the role of desmoglein2 cleavage fragments on intestinal epithelial cell homeostasis and in response to inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This work involved both in vitro and in vivo experimentation, as well as small intestine organoid development. 1 year into this position I was awarded an Australian Endeavour award, which granted me the opportunity to work on applied cancer research.

I assisted in a project involving a Pharmaceutical company. This work consisted mostly of treatment of cell cultures and analysis by western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy.

As part of my undergraduate degree, up to 2 competitive applicants could be selected to work for 1 year conducting research at the University of Nevada, Reno as part of an exchange program. After my 2nd year of undergraduate study, I was selected to go to Reno and work under Prof Kathy Keef. This was my first real experience of medical research and what ultimately pushed me to pursue it as a career.During my time at Reno, I would dissect murine anal sphincters and mount them on perfused… Show more As part of my undergraduate degree, up to 2 competitive applicants could be selected to work for 1 year conducting research at the University of Nevada, Reno as part of an exchange program. After my 2nd year of undergraduate study, I was selected to go to Reno and work under Prof Kathy Keef. This was my first real experience of medical research and what ultimately pushed me to pursue it as a career.During my time at Reno, I would dissect murine anal sphincters and mount them on perfused force transducers to study their contractile status in the presence of various exogenous substances. I also learnt how to voltage clamp these tissues using microelectrodes. I subsequently analysed and presented the data and published 2 papers from my time there, 1 as co-first author. Show less