Job Ready Graduates

Meet Professor Jason Ivanusic

Award-winning Teacher and Laboratory Head, Department of Anatomy and Physiology

What are your research and teaching interests?

I am a teaching and research academic with interests in both anatomy teaching and neuroscience research. I developed a passion for teaching anatomy as a graduate student and have fostered this for my entire career. However, I also manage an active and vibrant neuroscience research program. My neuroscience research interests are focused on understanding mechanisms that generate and maintain pain, with a view to identifying targeted ways to treat it.

What was the driving factor to becoming a Biomedical Scientist?

In second year of my undergraduate degree, I was inspired by some of the incredible anatomists who taught me. They would draw anatomy on chalkboards. It was amazing to see how they were able to construct a lesson about such complex information in dynamic and creative ways. This led me to become curious about other creative ways of learning and sharing knowledge.

Explain the background to your research and your main findings so far?

My research focuses on understanding the neurobiology of pain, with a specific view to identifying new and innovative ways to treat it. It includes studies of bone and joint pain, pain management using ultrasound guided nerve blocks, and orofacial pain. One area of specific interest is in pain associated with bone, for example that experienced in bone cancer or osteoarthritis.

What are the cutting-edge facilities at the School that help you break new territory?

With biomedicine rapidly evolving there are so many new and enabling technologies that allow us to answer questions in ways that have not been possible in the past – and start asking new questions that we haven’t been able to conceptualise before. It’s an exciting time to be learning about biomedicine, and to be contributing to biomedical research. Our Department and School is embedded in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, which provides us with many of the enabling technologies we need to do what we do in new and exciting ways.

What is your advice to anyone interested in Biomedical Sciences?

Identify and follow your passion. You can't go wrong if you enjoy what you do. Having an inquisitive mind is critical – it helps generate the right questions, and helps design the right experiments to answer them in the right way.

What’s your favourite pursuit outside work?

I grew up playing soccer at my local club, but also had the opportunity to travel overseas to play. I love the team spirit and competition. It’s great to share a common passion with like-minded people in a team. I suppose this carries through into my research.

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Meet Dr Robert Hatch

Senior Research Officer at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Department of Anatomy and Physiology Alumni

What does your job involve?

I am a Senior Research Officer at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and act as an In Vitro Biology Consultant to Praxis Precision Medicines. Praxis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for patients affected by CNS disorders characterised by neuronal imbalance. The majority of my work with Praxis is conducting experiments to determine compound mechanisms of action in genetic animal models and to help optimise lead compound chemistry.

What did you study in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology?

I studied a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Melbourne. I originally chose this course to get into Veterinary Science, however after taking courses through the Department of Anatomy and Physiology, I reassessed and decided to pursue a degree in Medical Research.

What intrigued you most about studying in the Department?

There was an ability of perform experiments that resulted in a definitive answer to a question. This had a huge effect on my career as it was, in part, the reason I moved into Medical Research and not another field I was studying.

What sets the Department apart?

It was inspiring and engaging! One of the things the Department did so well, in addition to excellent lectures and practicals, was making sure the lecturers were always open to talking to students. This wasn’t the norm in my experience and really set the Department apart. The resources available, specifically the dissection labs, gave you experiences that you’d never get anywhere else and provided the best learning environment to really engage with primary source material.

What soft skills helped advance your career?

During my time in the Department, I learnt the value of networking with colleagues to form deep and meaningful relationships that have persisted throughout my professional and personal life. It was also where I learnt how to develop the mindset of a scientist, which has shaped any success I’ve experienced during my career.

What career pathway did you take?

After completing my undergraduate degree with Honours through the Department, I initially undertook a relatively standard academic career path. I completed my PhD at the Florey in 2014, primarily to become a technical expert in patch-clamp electrophysiology. Then I completed two post-doctoral positions in Australian labs at the Queensland Brain Institute and the Centre for Eye Research Australia. While each of the labs focussed on different neurological diseases, epilepsy, dementia and glaucoma respectively, the theme of my research was understanding disease mechanisms to find novel therapeutic approaches to help patients. However, despite publishing some papers, it seemed unlikely to me that this work would translate to helping people in the real world. So, when I was approached by Prof Steven Petrou to work with Praxis Precision Medicines as part of the Discovery Science Team, I was excited at the chance to actually help patients. I have been working with Praxis since 2019 and am still excited to be working with them to achieve this goal.

What is your advice to anyone interested in Biomedical Sciences?

Pay attention to what you find interesting and engaging – and do more of that. Don’t simply do what others are doing or what other people think is best for you. This is your journey to walk.

Meet Dr Grace Burke

Hydrogel Scientist at Robotic Surgery Evolution, Department of Anatomy and Physiology Alumni

What does your job involve?

I work at Robotic Surgery Evolutions (RSE) – formally known as Australian Medical Robotics Academy – a Surgical education facility specialising in the training of robot assisted surgery. My role is in product research and development of synthetic training models. Specifically, I design and produce hydrogel models, ranging from simple skills-based models, right through to organ system procedural models for surgical simulation training. Our mission is to continue to produce realistic anatomic models to create a wholistic educational experience through surgical simulation training and replace cadavers and live animals in surgical education.

What did you study in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology?

I studied a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Anatomy and Physiology at University of Melbourne. My Honours year was in the Royal Melbourne Hospital stream in Department of Biomedical Engineering, utilising my understanding of anatomy.

What inspired you to do your Honours?

I discovered a position in a research project about developing and validating synthetic models for surgical training. It was appealing because it combined my anatomic knowledge that I had gained during undergrad, with tissue and mechanical engineering processes, both in the context of robotic surgical education. I am co-authoring a number of papers in tissue mechanics (engineering sphere) and relating to surgical training model production and validation.

What set the Department apart?

I loved my time in the Department. I was disappointed to miss out on the practical/laboratory aspect of anatomy during the COVID pandemic, but the online resources were still valuable, particularly the online atlas’ and other interactive material. I enjoyed the diversity in delivery style depending on the content and lecturer – hearing the big picture, about specific research, imaging of specific case studies and application in the medical world.

What soft skills helped advance your career?

Working in multidisciplinary teams is so important – learning to work to each others strengths, while improving on weaknesses, and learning from the prior work and experience of others. I also learnt about the power of communication, particularly fine tuning your content and information depending on who you are interacting with. For example, how to discuss anatomic relations and procedural steps with surgeons and anatomists, finesse the chemical and mechanical characteristics of our tissue with bioengineers, explore the educational validity of our models with hospitals and their potential utility to medical device companies, and explain my work and its application to a friend or family member. These skills were enhanced during the anatomy pracs, which were online for me, and during the assessment.

Was there a moment during your studies that inspired you to pursue your chosen career pathway?

It’s really gratifying when a well-versed surgeon picks up or operates on one of our models. Their reactions and excitement is complimentary and affirming.

What is your advice to anyone interested in Biomedical Sciences?

Seize the moment. Work hard and explore the areas and subjects you enjoy, but don’t dismiss what you haven’t tried. Think about subjects that will complement each other – i.e. anatomy helps you understand what the body part is and then physiology helps you understand how it functions and operates.

Meet Dr Nicki Cranna

Scientific Education Officer at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology Alumni

What does your job involve?

I work in the scientific education office at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. I help manage PhD student programs in professional development, as well as developing digital learning courses for both WEHI staff and students, University of Melbourne students and the general public. I also co-run a science animation business and a coffee roasting business.

What did you study in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology?

I did my undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences at Victoria University of Wellington before moving to Melbourne to explore my career options. I got a job in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology (then Cell Biology) working in a lab as a technician and was inspired to continue my studies in the Department. I did honours and PhD in the same lab I started working in. My PhD was investigating the regulation of the MYC oncogene – using drosophila as a genetic model to understand the genetics of human cancers.

What sets the Department apart?

It was a great experience to be in the Department. The mentorship and support aspect from the other senior people in my lab group and within the Department was inspiring and motivating.

Was there a moment during your time in the Department that inspired you to pursue your chosen career pathway?

I was involved in running the Under the Coverslip exhibitions and organising large events to attract people to take interest in science. I knew this was something I loved and was passionate about and wanted to continue. It helped me understand that I love to use my communication skills to make things and information engaging.

What is your advice to anyone interested in Biomedical Sciences?

Choose something that interests you and that you’ll continue to be interested in to ensure you can stay motivated and enjoy your experience. Ultimately, you may decide to choose a career in your direct area of study, but in my experience, many people use other skills to develop their careers, there’s always an opportunity to pivot at a later point if you desire.

Meet Dr Amanda Lee

Senior Research Officer at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Anatomy and Physiology Alumni

^{Image: Dr Amanda Lee in her lab at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre}

What does your job involve and what inspired you to take this career path?

It feels like only yesterday that, as a little girl growing up in Singapore, one of my close family members was diagnosed with melanoma. The memories of this awful time in my family’s history focussed and strengthened my resolve to be involved in healthcare – to help, treat and care for others.

I arrived in Melbourne in 2009 as an international student, aiming to complete a degree with double majors in Anatomy and Neuroscience, as well as Biochemistry and Cell Biology, at The University of Melbourne. I structured and planned my studies to achieve my goal, enabling me to undertake a PhD in cancer research, my chosen area of study. Fortunately, I was one of five undergraduates to receive a prestigious Victorian International Research Scholarship (VIRS).

During my PhD, I studied genes that drive brain cancer in flies, and its translation to glioblastoma in brain cancer patients. I gained invaluable experience in the field of cancer. I worked part-time as a lab technician and a demonstrator. Little did I realise at the time just how valuable it was to build connections and essential skills, which I continue to incorporate in my professional life. These attributes placed me in a strong position to transfer my skills into a different, yet interconnected, area of cancer research. After completing my PhD in 2015, I was awarded a Cancer Council Postdoctoral Research Fellowship that led me to my first role at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (PMCC) as a postdoctoral scientist with an emphasis towards breast and ovarian cancer research.

In 2018, the perfect opportunity arose at the PMCC Molecular Genomics Core (MGC). My new position combined my passion for seeking answers with my love for scientific laboratory work, being part of a team and, importantly, helping and supporting others. I am now the Operations Manager and Senior Research Officer, a very versatile role. I oversee, collaborate, manage and complete projects that incorporate Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) – a truly amazing technology that enables us to identify DNA variability in both clinical and non-clinical settings.