Hudson People | Brittany Doran

POSITION / GROUP: PhD Student, Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research

I WAS BORN IN: A small town in regional Victoria called Maryborough.

BEFORE WORKING AT HUDSON INSTITUTE I WAS: After high school I originally started a Biomedical Science degree at Deakin University in Geelong and had just returned from an amazing semester abroad in Ireland, however I didn’t want to go back to Uni. Instead, I worked for 6 months driving a dump truck in a quarry and enjoyed it, but realised it wasn’t very fulfilling and I missed science! Since then, I’ve moved to Melbourne and finished a Science degree, completed my Honours here in the Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers Lab and I’ve now just started my PhD.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS: Being able to work amongst, and to learn from people that are experts in their field and are incredibly passionate about the work they do. Also being able to directly work on an area of unmet need for ovarian cancer patients is very motivating too.

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE: Science has always fascinated me, and I have always wanted a job where I could use this passion to contribute something positive to society, to me this seems like the perfect fit!

IF I WASN'T DOING THIS JOB, I WOULD BE: I have no clue – I’m too indecisive! But probably still something in science.

MY FIRST JOB WAS: A barista at McDonalds where I ended up staying for 8 years since I loved making coffee! I first started working there in high school and only just finished up there last year, it’s amazing how many ways this job helped prepare me for the PhD life.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM: Currently, RuPaul’s Drag Race! I binge watched every episode during lockdown last year.

I'M CURRENTLY WORKING ON: A proof of concept study that aims to investigate whether therapeutic ablation of a rare population of chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells, called Leader cells, could synergise with conventional chemotherapy and allow sustained tumour regression in women with ovarian cancer. Currently, in the lab I’m generating and characterising several inducible cell lines that we plan to use in our upcoming in vivo studies. Considering the substantial lack of effective treatments that are currently available, we’re hoping an approach such as this can improve the appalling survival rates faced by women diagnosed with this devastating disease.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR: It sounds strange but being able to engage fully in my lab work and being in control of progressing my project has certainly been a highlight so far. As I completed my Honours last year, I didn’t have a typical lab experience, but now I am loving my work and I’m very excited to see where it will take us!

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO: No lockdowns or restrictions and being able to travel again!

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: A beautiful city in southern Ireland called Cork where I lived for six months when I completed a semester abroad, I can’t wait to go back one day.
 

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY: Going on adventures with my puppy Benji, exploring new places and tending to my excessive collection of indoor plants.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT: It’s impossible for me to choose! I’m a massive foodie so I love trying new places, I do love any restaurant that does Italian food or Spanish tapas (and a good cocktail) though!

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: Something that someone said at my graduation recently was “the harder you work, the luckier you will get” and that has really stuck with me.

 

Hudson People | Kallyanashis Paul

POSITION / GROUP: PhD Student, Gargett Lab, The Ritchie Centre

I WAS BORN IN: Bangladesh

BEFORE WORKING AT HUDSON INSTITUTE I WAS: I worked in mechanical engineering before a friend motivated me to try medical research. 

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS: The best part of my job is enjoying a coffee with colleagues and sharing aspects of our lives. 

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE: The transition from production engineering to tissue engineering instilled a fascination with  bioengineered constructs to make a social impact.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM: The Godfather, Scent of a Woman, Forrest Gump.

I'M CURRENTLY WORKING ON: I am currently working on a fascinating field called Pelvic Organ Prolapse that desperately needs tissue-engineered solutions. This is an active tissue engineering field. In the very first interview with my supervisors, I had a feeling that I could be able to synthesise a clinically viable therapeutic product to solve POP. But over time, I am surprised by its inherent multifactorial biophysical attributes that need to be incorporated into the clinical product.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR: I never thought that I would be studying in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology. My biggest highlight is that I have submitted my thesis, which proposed some potential solutions to pelvic organ prolapse.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: I strongly recommend visiting Bangladesh. We have the world's largest sea beach, The Cox's Bazar Beach and the biggest mangrove forest, The Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF). I also loved Mauritius and enjoyed the coral reef that encircles the whole island. In South Korea I visited Jeju Island, formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano, one of the most beautiful places in South Korea to see.
 

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY: Walking and playing cricket. I am a professional cricket umpire and have umpiring experience for close to 100 matches.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT: Thai or Afghan restaurants. I love most of the food items and don't have any specific interest. But, South Korean Samgyupsal with some drinks is the most enjoyable.

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: The best advice is to be in the present moment.

 

Ramadan 2021

Since April 12th, Muslims around the world have been celebrating Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. On May 12th, the end of Ramadan is celebrated by Eid al-Fitr.

We would like to introduce one of the wonderful members of the Equity and Diversity Committee, Sarah Rosli who explains what Ramadan is.

Ramadan
By Sarah Rosli

The Holy Quran

The month of Ramadan (raw-ma-don) falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This special commemoration is observed by many Muslims worldwide as this blessed month was when the holy scripture, the Quran, was first revealed to prophet Muhammad.
 
Muslims worldwide embark on a month of fasting, one of the 5 pillars of Islam, abstaining from worldly physical needs including eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly and those who are sick or those who are travelling are exempted from fasting. Other than omitting from food and drink, Ramadan is also about being patient, giving charity (zakat fitrah), and also an opportunity to strengthen bonds with our family and community.

Date Milkshake

Faithful observers would wake up for a pre-dawn meal referred to as sahur followed by the morning prayer. 

A typical pre-dawn meal would include a tall glass of date milkshake.

Dates and a cup of water for break fast

The fast is then ceased after sunset, with a piece of date and a sip of water, followed by the night prayer. 

Subsequently, the evening feast, also referred to as iftar, is enjoyed together as a family, or a community.

 

Bubur Masjid translates to Porridge from the mosque

In the South-east Asia region including Singapore, mosques distribute complimentary porridge everyday in the month of Ramadan. The idea of porridge rather than rice per se, is so that the meal could be shared with more people. The humble warm bowl of porridge does soothe the soul and is also kind to the digestive system after a day of fasting. This act allows everyone (even the less fortunate) to have a nice proper meal at the end of the fast.

Ramadan is deemed by many, a detox for the physical self as well as for the spiritual self. It is a time to reflect on the plentiful bounties bestowed upon us as well as creating empathy for those who do not have the luxuries that we have. Building patience, as people tend to get angry easily when hungry, is another benefit of fasting. Ramadhan reminds us that as humans we should always be in one of these 2 states, a state of gratitude or a state of patience. Being always grateful during the good times and being patient during life’s difficult moments.

Ramadan concludes with the Eid al-Fitr (ee-dul al-fee-tree) celebration. This is the time of celebration and a time to pay a visit to our family members, our neighbours and our community, a means of making sure the wellbeing of everyone we know. Eid al-fitri begins with a special eid breakfast, followed by special prayer in congregation in the mosque or prayer halls or even in parks. 

The young and old will be in their best festive clothing, feasting on sweet treats and a delectable spread of food and bidding adieu with gifts.

All images are taken from Google Images.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Sarah Rosli

Research Assistant -  Viral Immunity and Immunopathology lab, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases (CIIID).

Sarah Rosli is a Research Assistant in the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group within the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases (CIIID) . Our lab is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the induction of damaging hyperinflammation in several infectious diseases such as influenza virus, with the hope to develop potential therapeutic strategies.

Sarah has experienced career disruptions, returning to research after having 2 children. She has had to juggle family and work commitments and have flexible work arrangements.

Sarah hopes that she could represents and be the voice of the diverse individuals especially in her center, to ensure our staff and students are in a healthy and enjoyable working environment. 

Hudson People | Kirstin Street

POSITION / GROUP: PhD Student, Gargett Lab, The Ritchie Centre

I WAS BORN IN: Melbourne

BEFORE WORKING AT HUDSON INSTITUTE I WAS: a travel agent.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS:  Is that every day is different and there are so many aspects of being a PhD student. I get to read, write, network, design experiments, analyse data, talk to other students and scientists, attend conferences etc.

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE: Of my daughter; Aurora, and to be able to contribute to research in honour of all stillborn babies.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB I WOULD BE: Unfulfilled.

MY FIRST JOB WAS: Serving up those 11 secret herbs n' spices!

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM: How I met your mother, which I've binged at least 20 times from start to finish.

I'M CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Factors that contribute to preterm stillbirth. My project includes a retrospective data analysis of preterm stillbirths over the past decade in Victoria as well as a study of menstrual fluid in women who have experienced preterm stillbirths.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR: Getting on a plane for the first time in a year!

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: My destination wedding in November!

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Namibia. I had a goal to get to 30 countries, before 30. COVID has thrown a spanner in the works for reaching that goal, but Namibia still stands out as the highlight country, because of its diversity of things to do. Within ten days, I went from a safari in Etosha NP and hanging out with the Himba tribe in the middle of the desert, to stargazing in Spitzkoppe, skydiving, dune buggy-ing, seeing the second largest canyon in the world and a wine tour along the Orange River.
 

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY: Long walks with my dog, Sophie and going to Melbourne Storm games.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT: Anywhere that serves tacos and margaritas.

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: Accumulate experiences and memories, not things.

 

When you take a peek inside our labs, you not only find excellent scientists, but you often find researchers are excelling in areas outside science.

Maria Alexiadis holding her gold medal that she won at the Australian Open Karate Championships

This is true of Maria Alexiadis, Research Assistant, Steroid Receptor Biology Laboratory, who won gold at the Australian Open Karate Championships in Sydney in April.

Maria, who was considering retiring from competitive karate at the end of 2019, previously earned a spot through her ranking to try out for the Tokyo Olympics - but when COVID-19 hit, the Olympics and other major events were cancelled. The qualifying event will now be held in Paris in June this year.

"The top three medal winners only will qualify for the Olympics," Maria says. "Only 10 athletes from around the world overall will qualify for the Olympic event.

"My division has been amalgamated with a heavier weight division for the Olympics so this adds another layer of complexity to the whole qualifying thing.

"On top of that, Victorians were in lockdown for most of last year and so we weren't able to train with partners - makes sparring over zoom interesting!

"Australians overall, due to our inability to go overseas and train and compete with the best (or to even travel interstate) to prepare for the event, have been at a disadvantage."

Maria says while she won her -50kg division at the Australian Open Karate Championships, the situation for Australian athletes is vastly different from overseas. "Many overseas athletes are full-time sportspeople. They are paid and have personal coaches, doctors, massage therapists etc.

"In Australia, every athlete has to pay for the privilege to be on the Aussie team. Most of us are working and/or studying and juggling families etc."

Maria says it has been a big decision weighing up the pros and cons of going to Paris - but says: "I will give the qualifiers a crack."

"I know it is going to be tough and chances of making it onto the Olympic team are very low but I'm a big believer of 'never say never' and 'you've got to be in it, to win it.'

"The biggest cons would be the expense and I go all that way and get knocked out in my first round or worse still, get COVID-19 and not be able to compete at all.

"It will still be an amazing achievement and I won't be left wondering."

We're sure you will agree - let's get behind Maria and wish her all the very best for Paris and beyond - and perhaps we will soon have an Olympian in our midst!

Meanwhile, on Twitter we've been sharing our extra-curricular pursuits via the hashtag #notjustaresearcher, so feel free to join the conversation and share with us your own amazing personal achievements, sporting, arty, or otherwise!

Hudson People | Gemma Creegan

POSITION / GROUP: Research Office Administrator

I WAS BORN IN: Manchester, UK

BEFORE HUDSON INSTITUTE: I worked in Acquisitions in a public library and before that I worked in a law library in Canberra. Before libraries, I worked in educational publishing, taught English in Japan and temped for a few government departments.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS:  I'm new to the job and still finding my feet.  So far I'm enjoying learning about the research that Hudson Institute is doing, as well as the grants and publications processes. Everyone has been really welcoming. The commute is a definite bonus for me as I live a 10 minute walk from the office.

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE: I had been working in libraries for a decade and was ready for a change of career. This opportunity came up which was close to home and ticked a few boxes for me. The role interested me because I felt that I could use some existing skills but also learn some new ones. I like a challenge and to keep learning on the job.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB I WOULD BE: A creative writer or a travel writer with Lonely Planet. I did get as far as the editing test a few years ago.

MY FIRST JOB WAS: It would have been a summer job when I was at university in England, I did silver service waitressing at the weekends at a nearby hotel. I have to say I was pretty bad and dropped a few food items into peoples laps. Luckily they were nice about it!

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM: I'm currently enjoying the new series of Line of Duty, its highly addictive viewing and if you have not seen it, I encourage you to binge watch the first five series.

I'M CURRENTLY WORKING ON: I'm still new, so trying to get to grips with the research, grants and publication processes at Hudson Institute so that I can help with the workload. Also, I'm trying to remember all the medical acronyms.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR: 2021 has definitely been an improvement on 2020. I'm trying to appreciate the small things but a highlight has been getting a new job during this time and also that my friends and family are all well here and overseas.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: Continuing to learn and feel settled in my new job. Hopefully some future travel here and seeing my family in the UK. A holiday to Japan at some point.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: This is a tough one as I have a few, obviously other than Melbourne, I have to say England, specifically Norwich where all my family are based.
 

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY: Spending time with my rescue greyhound Minnie (she's a couch potato) as well as family and friends. Traveling and exploring new places, baking, reading and watching good BBC dramas.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT: Another tricky question for me as I have a few but one of my favourites in Melbourne is Din Tai Fung for its amazing soup dumplings. I've not been for a year so definitely going soon.

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: I'm not really in a position to give advice as being new to the industry myself but from my own experience, I would just encourage anyone starting out in their field to gain as many transferable skills as they can, make the most of any opportunities (big or small) and keep learning.

 

Hudson People | Shaye Game

POSITION / GROUP: PhD student, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Centre for Cancer Research

I WAS BORN IN: Queensland, Australia

BEFORE HUDSON INSTITUTE: I completed my undergraduate studies in Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Deakin University, whilst also working part-time in retail from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, I joined Hudson Institute to undertake my Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) in the Developmental and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, which is where I am currently undertaking my PhD candidature.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS: The reward of knowing my research is contributing to the global landscape of understanding and improving patient outcomes in a rare and devastating paediatric brain cancer. Additionally, I love that I get to work with amazing and inspiring like-minded scientists every day.

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE: I always had a love for science and knew I was passionate about making a change in the world.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB I WOULD BE: It sounds cliched, but I honestly couldn't imagine myself doing anything other than what I am. From a very young age I developed a love for science and, instead of thinking I wanted to be a princess or ballerina like my peers, I always knew I wanted to be a scientist. That love only continued to grow throughout high school, my degree and still grows every day.

MY FIRST JOB WAS: Working at my local fish and chip shop on the cash register when I was 16 years old.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM: Grey's Anatomy, House MD and Gossip Girl.

I'M CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Defining the roles of H3K27M and subsequent epigenetic dysregulation on tumorigenesis in Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). A rare but devastating paediatric high grade glioma to hopefully lead to the discovery of new therapeutic inventions that could improve patient outcomes.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR: As I'm sure for a lot of people, restrictions being eased and life showing some normality again has been a big highlight. It's been amazing to be able to explore Victoria again, go out to restaurants and see family and friends. Additionally, I was elected President of Hudson Institute Student Society (HISS) for 2021 which was a great honour and has been very exciting.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO: As a student who undertook their honours during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am looking forward to immersing myself in the lab and my research. There are so many things left unfinished from last year and I look forward to tackling them this year. I also greatly look forward to my role as HISS President this year and getting to meet more students and run lots of fun events.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: I wouldn't say I have an exact favourite place in the world but anywhere that there is a beach and sunshine.

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY: Swimming, yoga/reformer pilates, reading, exploring new places and being surrounded by friends and family.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT: Okami, an all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant.

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED: From one of my favourite authors and poets Beau Taplin, ''There is always light at the end of the tunnel, you're the light at the end of the tunnel.''

2021 HISS Committee

 Hudson Institute Student Society (HISS) has successfully elected a new committee for 2021. Shaye Game has been elected as the new President! 

2021 HISS Committee President | Shaye Game

2021 HISS Committee

President - Shaye Game

Vice Presidents - Van To and Megan Cristofaro

Secretaries - Kirstin Street and Ashlyn Pascoe

Treasurers - Arya Jithoo

Creative officers - Tegan White

ECR Representatives

Rheannon Blucher

Centre Representatives

CEM - Madhuni (Maddie) Herath

CCR - Monica Suehiro and Hoang Nguyen

CiiiD - Alice West

CRH - TBA

TRC - Beth Piscopo, Charmaine Rock, Navneet Kaur

SCS - Jay Fewkes (N&D)

Additional students can join the committee as Centre Reps by emailing Shaye Game if they would like to get involved.