New Zealand
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, I am 2nd Yr thesis student dedicated to understanding the unique tumour microenvironment of Glioblastoma (GBM) to improve in-vitro 3D models that better recapitulate cellular diversity of human tissue. My current research is a collaboration between the Dr. Melanie McConnell (McConnell Research Group) at Te Herenga Waka and Dr. Clint Gray at Gillies McIndoe Research institute. My lab day to day includes a mix of various tissue staining and imaging techniques, 3D-cell culturing and proteomics data analysis using R studio. Complimenting this, Part I of my Masters focused on optimising a protocol to perform Immunofluorescent staining on GBM Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tumour Tissue. Prior to my current studies, I completed a BbMedSc in Molecular Pathology and Human genetics (Double major) at Te Herenga Waka. Through this degree, I acquired various wet-lab skills and techniques including PCR, Bioactivity assays, SDS-PAGE, Bacterial culturing and Bioinformatic data analysis. Additionally through the Directed Individual Study paper, I was able to validate the bioactivity of natural compounds in liquid media using wild-type and gene deletion yeast strains under Dr. Andrew Munkacsi. My academic pursuits extend into Clinical research, having had the privilege to have worked in two Clinical Research Institutes internationally. Through placement at Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute-Biotechnology Laboratory, I was able to hone my skills in bacterial culturing, ELISA, and bacterial whole genome sequencing. Through my summer internship at the Medical Institute of New Zealand, I learnt Clinical trial administration, Good Clinical Practice as well as Tikanga Māori in clinical research practice. Within the bounds of my degree, I worked with two research institutes, GMRI where I learnt Microtome, GBM histology and automated Immunohistochemistry and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research as a visiting scientist refining my skills in Immunoflourescence, Confocal Imaging and image analysis. Outside research, I am a consultant at Momentum Investment Committee where student entrepreneurs are given the resources needed to embark on their journeys into becoming founders. I also Chair Chiasma Wellington region, an organisation that bridges students to STEM industry. Both of these are volunteer positions that align closely with my love for community and innovation. I am firmly believer of “being in every room and knocking on every door” because that's where the most growth can happen.
COVID-19 NEEDLE LENGTH STUDY Conducted participant calls that included consenting, screening for eligibility and enrolling in study using REDCAP software. Participated in pharmacy visits for new pharmacies in order to aid study recruitment, pharmacist involvement in clinical studies and study progression. Created media(approved by ethics board) to aid with recruitment as well as contacted public services (community centers etc.) as part of study outreach to various diverse communities across Aotearoa. Contacted participant General Practitioner's during study progression as part of participant line of care during study involvement.
National student-led organisation that fosters connections between university students and the science and technology industries in NZ.