Education Coordinators

I first cut my teeth on research into novel drug leads from the venoms of snakes, in particular those toxins that cause blood clotting in their mammalian prey. Since then I’ve dabbled in a wide range of research projects, including:

• examining genetic variation in populations of Ross River virus;
• investigating potential vaccine leads for hookworm infection;
• characterising new drug leads for the treatment of malaria.

The toxins of venomous animals are such a rich resource of unique and extremely potent biologically active molecules. It’s amazing, when you think about it, that these reptiles have evolved proteins in their venom which specifically target and alter the functioning systems of mammals.

I initially had a deep interest in blood coagulation in general, and it was this that led me to research the blood clotting proteins of snake venoms, with the idea that they may make great blood coagulation drug leads. From there, the project expanded to cataloguing through genetic means, many toxins from the venom that may one day be of novel diagnostic or therapeutic use.

I was initially drawn to science as a student as I perceived it to be a fact-based subject. Like maths, I enjoyed science as there is often a clear-cut right and wrong answer. I particularly loved biology as it underpins so much of our knowledge on how the natural world works.

At university I completed a straight applied science undergraduate degree covering a broad range of subjects including biology, physics, chemistry and maths. It was the biology subjects, particularly the physiology and molecular biology subjects that I enjoyed most and found easiest to do well at, I guess creating a positive feedback loop!

As a medical researcher, I quickly learned that biological systems governing our body and the natural world are unimaginably complex. As a researcher, every question answered would open the door on a dozen new, unanswered questions.

One of the great things about science is it always affords an opportunity to learn. I’ve always felt that concepts are most clear to me when I try to teach them to someone else.

In addition, the role of Education Coordinator means that I interact with literally thousands of school-aged students each year and share my passion for science, with the knowledge that hopefully some of them will be inspired to take on STEM based learning (particularly that related to medical research) in the future.

I appreciate that not every student I work with will go on to be a future scientist, however I feel it is extremely important that the general population of Australia has a healthy base of scientific literacy.

At this stage, I couldn’t image a career outside of science. I guess the thing I love most about science is that it gives you the base knowledge underpinning how so many things work in our lives, and yet new knowledge is constantly being acquired that can sometimes alter this knowledge. It’s a very dynamic career.

My research journey began with a deep dive into optimising medicines management within hospital systems. During my PhD, I conducted a clinical trial in the UK, exploring strategies to improve the safe and effective use of medications for hospitalised patients. This experience not only strengthened my expertise in clinical pharmacy practice and healthcare systems but also highlighted the vital role of evidence-based research in improving patient outcomes.

Since then, I have been involved in projects spanning multiple fields of medical research, including:

• Exploring the use of novel teaching tools to enhance pharmacy education
• Leading collaborative research into healthcare practices to improve patient safety
• Contributing to educational frameworks that bridge science with clinical practice

Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked—particularly the intricate processes of the human body, and from the age of 7, I wanted to become a pharmacist. My background as a pharmacist naturally led me to the world of research, where I could uncover evidence-based solutions to real-world health challenges. I found that Pharmacy wasn’t just about dispensing drugs but about constantly discovering new ones, which continues to excite and motivate me.

For me, science represents a powerful tool for societal progress. It not only improves lives but also fuels the curiosity that drives innovation.

Engaging with students and teachers through QIMR Berghofer’s Education Program is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. I am passionate about making medical research accessible, relatable, and inspiring to young minds. I particularly enjoy delivering programs like the Regional Outreach Education program, which bring medical research to life through hands-on experiences to students in remote schools of Queensland.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing students light up when they realise the potential of medical research careers and how medical research impacts lives. I aim to not only encourage future scientists but also contribute to building a scientifically literate community.

Science is never static—it’s always evolving and expanding our understanding of the world but what I love most is the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s through research that improves healthcare outcomes or education that sparks curiosity, science constantly inspires me to push boundaries and think innovatively.