Staff Profile

Career Summary

Biography

Qualifications

• PhD (Biological Science), University of Newcastle, 28/02/2012
• Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours), University of Newcastle, 12/12/2008
• Bachelor of Biotechnology, University of Newcastle, 10/12/2007

Research

Research keywords

• Anti-Cancer Drug Targeting
• Biochemistry
• Cancer
• Leukaemia
• Phosphoproteomics
• Proteomics
• Reproductive Physiology

Research expertise

In February 2004 I commenced a B.Biotechnology degree at the University of Newcastle (UoN) achieving first class honours for my Biotechnology project. These studies were conducted at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Reproductive Science Group. My project was focused on elucidation of the biochemical mechanisms that underpin sperm maturation and mammalian fertilisation. These studies resulted in the first physical evidence that sperm contain multiprotein complexes on their surface. During my time as an honours student I attended my first national conference where I was invited to present my work. This presentation was awarded “Best Student Oral Presentation”. My Doctorate program followed resulting in the publication of four papers and a book chapter. My thesis work received ten national and international awards with associated conference presentations. This program resulted in the first description of multiprotein complexes localising to the surface of spermatozoa, identification of a number of highly dynamic membrane changes that accompany the attainment of fertilisation competence and generated initial evidence to suggest how epididymal maturation transforms sperm from a non-motile, non-functional cell into one capable of passing on the paternal genome. I was very fortunately to conduct my post graduate studies whilst under the supervision of Prof Aitken and Assoc Prof Nixon whose mentorship and knowledge provided an excellent platform to achieve my PhD in less than three years by publication. Recently my PhD was awarded the University of Newcastle Vice Chancellors Annual Award for Research Higher Degree Excellence for contributions made to my field.

However since the complete of my PhD I have accepted a postdoctoral position in Faculty of Health and Medicine, Cancer Priority Research Centre, in collaboration with the Calvary Mater Hospital Medical Oncology Department and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). My new program is focused on elucidating the biochemical mechanisms that underpin novel anti-cancer therapies for the successful treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and breast cancer. In this context, my strengths in many aspects of cell analysis, including: characterisation of protein expression, proteomic profiling including iTRAQ and SILAC, phosphoproteomics, DNA mutational analysis, cellular imagery, identification of protein-protein interactions via immunoprecipitation, Far-Western blotting and Blue Native PAGE, cell culture, functional assays and the generation of recombinant proteins and polyclonal antibodies has been recognised. My ever growing knowledge and skill base has benefited from close association with national and international colleagues. Fortunately at the annual HMRI Awards for 2012 I received the HMRI Cancer Travel Award enabling me to spend a month working at Institut for Biokemi og Molekylær Biologi at the Syddansk Universitet where I worked with experts in proteomic assays, including phosphoproteomics, membrane proteomics, glycoproteomics, iTRAQ and SILIC. Here I initiated a phosphoproteomics study into AML. Using patients samples we aim to determine the effect of oncogenic signalling to help determine novel treatment targets. Whilst also in Denmark, I initiated a study into brain metastatic breast tumours in collaboration with Prof Hubert Hondermarck. These complex investigations are aimed at unravelling the pathogenesis of each disease, with the resulting data providing us with a better understanding of each condition. Following this sabbatical I was fortunate to present my work on AML at the American Association of Cancer Research in Washington DC.

All of these experiences are establishing a firm foundation for a productive career in cancer cell biology. My ambitions are to attract talented students and integrate these many techniques on patient’s samples and model systems to further elucidate the mechanism of transformation

Fields of Research

Collaboration

• Dr Nicole Verrills Medical Biochemistry, The University of Newcastle and HMRI.

• Prof Steve Ackland, Dr Jenntte Sakoff and Dr Jayne Gilbert, Medical Oncology, The Calvary Mater Hospital and HMRI.

• Dr Anoop Enjeti, Clinical Haematologist, The Calvary Mater Hospital.

• Prof Hubert Hondermarck, Professor of Medical Biochemistry, The University of Newcastle.

• Prof Adam McCluskey, Chemistry Department, The University of Newcastle and Australian Cancer Research Foundation Centre for Kinomics.

• Prof Jonathan Morris and Hamish Toop, Chemistry Department, University of New South Wales.

• Prof Martin Larsen, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Southern Denmark.

• Nathan Smith, Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facility, Advanced Mass Spectrometry Unit, The University of Newcastle.

• Dr Anchit Khanna and Dr Anthony Don Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales.

Administrative

Administrative expertise

During my studies I represented student members on the council of The Society of Reproductive Biology, was a founding member of the International Society for Young Investigators of Reproductive Biology Epididymis, The Priority Research Centre Reproduction Meeting’s co-organiser and The University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Committee conference organising chair.

Currently I co-run the Medical Biochemsitry Laboratory LS3.26, located in the Life Sciences Building UoN.

Professional memberships:

• 2012 –, Member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR).

• 2012 –, Member of the Australian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG).

• 2012 –, Member of the Australian Society of Medical Research (ASMR).

• 2011 – 2012, Society of Reproductive Biology (SRB) Australian Student Representative to council.

• 2010 – 2012, Young Investigators of Reproductive Biology Epididymis Council Co-Chair (International Society).

• 2010 – 2012, Priority Research Centre Reproductive Biology Meetings Co-Organiser (Reproductive Sciences, Eggs to Embryos and Mothers and Babies Groups).

• 2010, University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Committee. Conference Organising Chair.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Biochemical Assays
• Nucleic Acids
• Protein Chemistry
• Proteomics
• Reproductive Physiology

Teaching expertise

During my PhD I carried a significant teaching load, lecturing 2nd year Physiology for Biotech/Science students and spending almost 500 hours as Laboratory Head Demonstrator. Since completion of my PhD I have moved into Cancer Cell Biology and have become a lecturer in HUBS1202 Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis and HUBS3302 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics.

Also during my studies I played Rugby Union for the The University of Newcastle and was awarded runner up for Sports Person of the Year, awarded a University Blue and represented NSW in rugby union for five consecutive years. I was also awarded the Representative Player of the Year for the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union and was a captain of Newcastle and Hunter four consecutive NSW Country Rugby Union Championships a feat that has never previously been achieved.

• 2013: Lecturer, HUBS1202 Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis.

• 2013: Head Demonstrator, HUBS3302 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics.

• 2012: Lecturer, HUBS1202 Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis.

• 2012: Head Demonstrator, HUBS3302 Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics.

• 2011: Lecturer and Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development.

• 2011: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator.

• 2011: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills.

• 2010: Lecturer and Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development.

• 2010: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator.

• 2010: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills.

• 2009: Head Demonstrator, BIOL2020 Animal Physiology & Development.

• 2009: Head Demonstrator, BIOL3020 Reproductive Physiology & Development head demonstrator.

• 2009: Demonstrator, BIOL3001 Advanced Laboratory Skills.