lab members

Dr Melanie Eckersley-Maslin

Group Leader

Previously: B.Sc (Advanced, first class honours) - The University of Sydney, Australia

PhD (Molecular Biology) with Prof. David Spector - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, USA

Postdoctoral research with Prof. Wolf Reik - Babraham Institute and The University of Cambridge, UK

Research Interests: the role of epigenetics in promoting cell identity and plasticity in development and cancer

For fun: hiking, gardening and playing with lego with my young sons

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Natalie Choy

Honours Student

Previously: Bachelor Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Research interests: Natalie enjoys gaining a deep understanding of molecular biology, with a particular interest in epigenetics, stem cells, and their potential applications in treating a variety of diseases. She is excited to explore the role of epigenetic plasticity in cancer.

For fun: Natalie loves baking, drawing, and painting.

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Clare Crisp

Research Assistant

Previously: BSc (First class honours) in Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia

Research Interests: Understanding the contribution of pluripotency to both development and cancers, with a particular interest in how epigenetic and genetic changes interface to regulate cell fate and the chromatin landscape in development.

For Fun: Clare enjoys travelling, baking new recipes, video games with friends and bushwalking.

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Dr Katie Fennell

Postdoctoral Researcher

Previously: Bachelors - University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Master Biomedical Science (first class honours) - University of Melbourne, Australia

PhD with Prof Mark Dawson - Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, University of Melbourne, Australia

Research interests: what dictates cell fate decisions in both development and cancer. Katie is investigating novel regulators of epigenetic plasticity and how this affects the ability of cancer cells to adapt to their changing environment.

For fun: Katie loves travelling, dancing and cooking.

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Dr Eleanor Glancy

Postdoctoral Researcher

Previously: BSc Biochemistry National University of Ireland, Galway

MSc by Research National University of Ireland, Galway with Prof. Brian Mc Stay

PhD co-supervised by Prof. Adrian Bracken - Trinity College Dublin & Prof. William Gallagher – University College Dublin

Research interests: Understanding how the chromatin environment contributes to cellular identity in development and disease.

For Fun: Eleanor loves sport and enjoys running and playing team games.

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Ruby Johnstone

Research Assistant

Previously: Bachelor of Biomedicine, The University of Melbourne (Major of Genetics)

Honours with Dr Liz Christie (PMCC) investigating potential treatments for chemoresistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer using a high throughput drug screen.

Research Interests: Passionate about investigating the parallels between embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, as well as the genetic and epigenetic factors that dictate cell fate and drug response.

For Fun: Ruby loves trying new recipes, hosting dinner parties and live music gigs on the weekends.

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Dian Kwang

PhD student

Previously: Bachelor of Biomedicine - University of Melbourne, Australia

Master of Biomedical Science - University of Melbourne, Australia

Research assistant - St Vincent's institute of Medical Research, Australia

Research interest: interested in the intersection between cancer cells and embryonic stem cells. I am excited to understand this deeper utilising molecular biology, imaging, and bioinformatics techniques.

For fun: pilates, trying out new cafes on the weekend, and catching up with my nieces and nephew!

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Dr Matt Neve

Postdoctoral Researcher

Previously: B.Sc.Adv. (first class honours) – Monash University, Melbourne

PhD (Biochemistry) with A/Prof. Sefi Rosenbluh – Monash University, Melbourne

Research Interests: The role of DNA sequences as determinants of the epigenome, in particular how genetic mutations drive epigenetic dysregulation in diseases such as cancer and if we can target this therapeutically. Matt is also interested in RNA biology, tool development and aims to bridge discovery science with translational outcomes for people with cancer.

For fun: Footy, golf (even though I'm not very good at either) and hiking.

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Imogen Reed

Undergraduate Placement Student

Currently: studying biochemistry at Imperial College London

Research Interests: As someone new to the world of research I am enjoying being able to explore a wide range of topics. The role of epigenetic plasticity in disease, especially cancer, is a particular area of interest.

For fun: Anything outdoors, baking, and facetiming my dogs

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Dr Janith Seneviratne

Postdoctoral Researcher

Previously: B.Sc (Advanced, first class honours) – University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia

PhD (Children’s Cancer – Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics) with Dr Belamy Cheung and Dr Daniel Carter – Children’s Cancer Institute, School of Women and Children’s Health UNSW, Australia

Research interests: mechanisms and drivers of cell state plasticity in cancer. Janith is investigating the prognostic and functional significance of developmental gene signatures in the context of cancer cell plasticity. This will inform current risk stratification methods and identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer patients.

For fun: Janith loves building computers, playing video games and playing the piano.

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Tongtong Wang

PhD student

Previously: B.Sc (first class honours) - The University of Adelaide, Australia

Research Assistant at Gut Health/Gut Cancer, SAHMRI, Adelaide, Australia

Research Assistant at Allergy Immunology, MCRI, Melbourne, Australia

Research Interest: Tongtong is passionate in developing his bioinformatics expertise and research leadership. He is extremely excited to study cellular plasticity in cancer and working with passionate individuals to achieve this career goal.

For fun: Tongtong is a massive proponent to try new things to make remarkable moments in life. He loves snorkelling, table tennis, animals, and nature.

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