I am originally from a small town in south-west Western Australia.
I began my studies by completing an undergraduate degree, double majoring in Anatomy & Human Biology and Genetics. In 2022 I graduated with honours from the University of Western Australia within the schools of Anatomy & Human Biology and Population Health. My honours research investigated the long-term health of children diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) after in utero exposure to methadone or buprenorphine. My thesis was published in 2024 and aimed to advise people of the potential acute childhood health complications associated with opioid agonist therapies, particularly immune-related conditions.
Prior to commencing my PhD I was a Molecular Immunology Medical Scientist. My responsibilities within this role included immunogenetics for disease-associated HLA typing, and solid organ / bone marrow transplantation. During my professional position I utilised numerous DNA extraction methods and implemented NGS and TGS sequencing methods.
My passion for human biology and genetics began with my undergraduate degree, where I learnt the fundamentals of each discipline and established my own research interests. Furthermore, my Honours degree in reproductive health and professional career as a Medical Scientist were the determining factors which solidified that a research career was what I wanted to pursue. Pairing my love of genetics, child-health outcomes and molecular immunology together, I decided that the path forward for me was a PhD in Molecular Science at the ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Biomedical Analysis. I am thrilled to be a part of the next generation of scientists, who will develop new technologies and create advancements within the diagnostic industry.
My proposed research project is the development of a sensor to assess breast milk quality and exploring the sensor’s applicability in drug screening, such as CBD detection. The aim of this research is to determine the presence of drugs in human breast milk and the potential effects on infant health. This investigation will utilise human omics and biological methods to investigate breast milk biomolecules and molecular mechanisms. Technologically, I plan to employ cutting-edge methods such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and genomic / proteomic approaches. These tools will aid in comprehensively profiling breast milk at a molecular level and identifying potential biomarkers for drug detection and diagnostic purposes. The impact of this research extends beyond academia, potentially influencing clinical practices and public health strategies related to breastfeeding and maternal-infant health. The ARC Training Centre offers a supportive framework for my professional development, providing opportunities to enhance skills in experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with industry partners. In summary, my research at the ARC Training Centre will advance both scientific understanding and practical applications in biomedical analysis, particularly in drug detection and breast milk diagnostics.
My research focus will be on studying breast milk as a complex biological system, with a primary goal of investigating its molecular composition to identify biomarkers that could aid in drug detection and breast milk sensor development. Through my research, I hope to achieve significant advancements in both the drug detection and breast milk diagnostic industries. My research presents an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in biomedical analysis. Collaborating with a diverse team of scientists at the ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Biomedical Analysis will be instrumental. This multidisciplinary environment will allow me to leverage expertise from various molecular disciplines and gain exposure to advanced analytical techniques. This collaboration is essential for studying complex biological systems such as breast milk.
I was a state level swimmer and a swimming instructor for over ten years.
