I am a senior PhD student at the Biomedical Analysis ARC Training Centre. Originally from Germany, I grew up in South Korea and Singapore before moving to Western Australia in 2011. After completing my schooling, I attended Murdoch University, where I majored in physics and chemistry. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in the interdisciplinary applications of science, particularly in the emerging field of biomedical nanotechnologies. This passion guided me to pursue a PhD under the supervision of Professor Dr. Killugudi Swaminatha Iyer, under the Biomedical Analysis ARC Training Centre here at UWA.
My inspiration to pursue research in biomedical nanotechnologies stemmed from my interdisciplinary undergraduate studies in physics, chemistry, and molecular biology at Murdoch University. A summer research project in nanotechnology, which earned me a scholarship, fuelled my passion for innovative scientific solutions to emerging issues in the therapeutics and clinical applications. Attending the AINSE Winter School and meeting researchers at RACI events further solidified my interest in research. This led to me finding out about Professor Dr. Killugudi Swaminatha Iyer’s work on DNA delivery through polymer nanoparticles. The opportunity to explore and develop new approaches to therapeutic delivery systems in Professor Iyer’s research group, combined with the Biomedical Analysis ARC Training Centre’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and state-of-the-art facilities, led me to join this centre to advance my research and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
Currently, my research focuses on developing novel polymer-based vectors for targeted drug delivery. The main objective is to engineer biocompatible and versatile platforms capable of delivering therapeutic agents precisely to specific cells or tissues within the body. By leveraging peptide synthesis, we aim to design amphiphilic peptide dendritic oligomers with controlled architectures.
This approach promises several advancements. First, we’re working to make drug delivery more precise and effective, so medications reach their intended targets with fewer side effects and less impact on the rest of the body. Second, by fine-tuning the structure and makeup of polymers, we hope to make drug treatments more stable and easier for the body to use effectively, potentially making treatments work better overall. Lastly, our research aims to establish fundamental principles in polymer design that could pave the way for the development of modular delivery systems adaptable to make treatments more flexible and effective for a wider range of patients.
On a societal level, this research holds the promise of making treatments more effective and accessible, improving the quality of life for patients. It also contributes to the broader goal of advancing personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient, leading to more efficient and successful healthcare solutions.
Through my research, I aim to advance the field of biomedical nanotechnology by developing innovative polymeric nanoparticle systems that improve targeted therapeutic delivery. Specifically, I hope to develop a modular system for polymeric delivery that can be efficiently altered to enhance drug efficacy while minimizing side effects through precise targeting and controlled release mechanisms.
I believe that our centre, with its facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and collaborative environment, will play a crucial role in helping me reach these goals. As the centre provides access to equipment and resources to help in the design, synthesises, and characterisation of polymeric delivery systems. As well as the application and analysis of therapeutic efficacy in various models. Moreover, the mentorship and guidance from experienced researchers at the centre, including opportunities for collaboration, has enabled me to innovate and contribute to the field. Which will hopefully facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications.
I got third place in novice epee for UWA at Unisport 2022. I have a passion for cameras, 3D modelling and electronics and enjoy hiking and cycling.
