I am an immunologist who aims to understand how the immune system responds to infection and cancer at The University of Pennsylvania. I completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) followed by a PhD in Immunology in 2019 under the supervision of two authorities in memory T cell biology – Professor Thomas Gebhardt and Professor Laura Mackay – at The University of Melbourne. During my PhD, I developed a novel melanoma model and imaging system to visualise real-time interactions between immune and cancer cells in the skin. Using these technologies, we found that a subset of T cells called ‘tissue-resident memory’ cells can suppress tumour growth by forcing cancer cells into a state of sleep or dormancy – a discovery that has provided the foundation to explore these cells as an avenue to develop novel cancer treatments. In addition, our research uncovered novel mechanisms through which long-term immune memory is maintained in tissues – a process critical for the development of effective vaccines. My findings have been published in various leading scientific journals including Nature and Nature Immunology and recognised with multiple competitive Australian and international awards. Upon completing my PhD, I was awarded NHMRC Emerging Leadership and Cancer Council Victoria Postdoctoral Fellowships and several research grants to explore how TRM cells can be exploited in cancer immunotherapy in Professor Laura Mackay’s laboratory as a Senior Research Officer, where I currently retain an honorary appointment.

I am now a CRI Postdoctoral Fellow working under the mentorship of leading immunologist Dr E. John Wherry at The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. My current research focuses on how T cell identity and dysfunction are established in peripheral tissues during chronic infection and cancer, with the goal of using this information to design next-generation cancer treatments that boost the formation of the most protective types of T cells around the body.

Alongside my laboratory work, I am a motivated advocate for early career researchers, helping to devise and execute policies that support and advance young scientists through my leadership roles in the Medicine Dentistry & Health Sciences ECR Network and Doherty Institute Equity in Science Committee. I am a dedicated supervisor and mentor to several Honours and PhD students training in the research groups of L. Mackay and E. J. Wherry. I am also passionate about public outreach and science communication, volunteering my time to engage the public in scientific research through the Day of Immunology committee and public speaking.