Past Research

Sophie completed a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours in 2016, and worked in the mental health sector before continuing onto postgraduate studies. Currently, Sophie is a Psychologist conducting research in a Clinical Psychology PhD at the University of Wollongong. Sophie has worked casually in research throughout her studies and is passionate about mental health.

Sophie has a particular interest in parent-child interactions and how this can influence childhood mental health and family well-being. Sophie is looking forward to the years ahead and hopes that her research will improve the mental health of children and families in Australian communities.

My interest in cancer research began while studying my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. I was intrigued by the different fields of cancer research and specialised my degree to a research area in Cell Biology and Cancer Therapeutics. I then continued my research at the University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, completing my Master of Biomedical Science in Prof Grant McArthur’s Molecular Oncology lab.

Under the supervision of Dr Lorey Smith and Dr Karen Sheppard, my project investigated metabolic reprogramming that occurs in response to BRAF/MEK and CDK4/6 targeted therapies in melanoma.

I started medical school at the age of 16. I was actively involved in leadership activities and research throughout medical school. During clinical years, I initiated and coordinated surgical literature and technique based tutorials for medical students. I graduated in 2009 with an overall rated 1st Class Honours for the purpose of entry to the University of Melbourne PhD Program.

I obtained my general surgery fellowship in 2017.Following completion of my PhD, I will pursue further training in colorectal surgery. Subsequently, my long term plan is to work in a tertiary centre as a colorectal surgeon with a university appointment to allow me to stay involved in ongoing research.

Whilst working and studying concurrently, improving mental health has been the focus of Amy’s career for the past 9 years. This has allowed her to continue developing and refining her research skills and has solidified her belief that marrying the theoretical underpinning and practical skills of research is key to being a successful researcher.

Amy has expertise in research communication and design of study materials that meet the needs of both the consumer and research communities. She currently sits on the ethics committee at the Department of General Practice.

Tara Lal is a firefighter and peer supporter with Fire and Rescue NSW. She has an honours degree in Physiology as well as a Bachelor of Applied science in Physiotherapy. Tara has managed the psychological well-being program at Fire and Rescue and has collaborated on research projects aimed at building resilience in firefighters and promoting conversations around mental health between managers and employees.

Tara is a Mental Health First Aid instructor and has written a book about her own experiences following the loss of her brother to suicide.