Careers Breakfast with BBiomed Alumni

Cara graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2019 and a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) in 2020, majoring in Neuroscience with a placement at the Florey Institute. She then went on to complete the Doctor of Physiotherapy program in 2024 and is currently working as a Physiotherapist with Alfred Heath, rotating within the acute respiratory ward.

“I think it’s important to remember that University and your career isn’t a race but a journey, and my journey has been fulfilling and rewarding. I took my time throughout my studies as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but have really flourished as a Physio. While there may exist a stereotype that Physiotherapy is all about sports and musculoskeletal health, I really enjoy the neurological and cardiorespiratory fields of practice. I’m also eager to combine my clinical skills with my passion for biomedical research by pursuing a PhD and/or education later down the track.”

Outside of work Cara loves binging TV series, bushwalking, and playing team sports (badly!)

Fern graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine in  2011 then undertook a PhD in the Godfrey Laboratory in the field of Immunity. Her career has taken her from a student to now being a research lead, navigating the challenges of running a research team, securing funding and carving out a career in a competitive field.

Beyond her research, Fern is actively involved in mentorship, science communication, and fostering diversity in STEM. She undertook a one year visiting scholar placement at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts.

Along the way, Fern has learned that there’s no single path to success in science—and that the best opportunities can come from the most mundane or the most unexpected places. "I'm passionate about problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of what we know about the immune system."

"Careers evolve, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out from day one."

Gretel completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Cell & Developmental Biology, then went on to do an Honours year in Pharmacology in 2023.

"After graduating I took a career pivot and started in a graduate role at KPMG as a consultant in Customer & Operations Advisory, which I’m loving for how diverse the work is on each engagement - it always keeps me on my toes!"

"Outside of work I love doing anything food related, whether it be spending all day on a recipe for dinner with my housemates or trying the newest ice cream shops near me."

Kevin completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2016, majoring in Human Structure & Function, and then the Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2020.

While studying Biomedicine, Kevin worked as a private piano teacher and a Maths/English tutor. During dental school, he worked on the weekends as a dental assistant to gain extra exposure in private practice, which complemented his clinical placements at university.

Kevin is now a general dentist in private practice in the inner suburbs of Melbourne and regional Victoria. Kevin dedicates much of his time to continuing professional learning and courses to expand his skillset. He enjoys practising all aspects of dentistry but is particularly interested in oral surgery and restorative dentistry.

Outside of work, Kevin is a classical pianist, loves a strong latte, and enjoys boxing and Muay Thai training.

Rachel graduated with Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2021 and is in her final year of a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. "I have a strong interest in paediatric medicine, with aspirations to become a clinician-researcher."

Rachel has worked at the Walter Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research as a student researcher, and with the university's Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences and Dentistry as a Mentor Leader.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, latch hooking and sleeping-in when she can!

Sakshi completed Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. She continued her studies and training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and has worked at various health services across Victoria. Sakshi has always had a strong interest in mental health and commenced her training in psychiatry and is currently completing her fellowship through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. She also completed a Masters of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and is also in the process of becoming an academic tutor at the University of Melbourne.

Outside of her medical career, Sakshi has a strong passion for the arts. She seeks to raise awareness about mental health by integrating her expertise in psychiatry with her interest in performance and storytelling. Recently, she contributed as a script consultant on a film, providing evidence-based insights and creative input on the psychosocial and cultural challenges faced by South Asian migrants in Australia, including the complex issue of domestic violence.

Sarisha graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2020, majoring in Human Structure and Function, then the Master of Speech Pathology in 2023.

Sarisha took on various volunteering roles including as student ambassador, o-week tour guide, cultural director on the general committee at the college she lived at, and intercollegiate representative for her college while studying as an undergrad. She credits these roles for building strong time-management and organisation skills, which were transferrable into her first job as an administrative assistant at a student college.

Sarisha is a Speech Pathologist, currently working at a non-for-profit disability organisation that provides therapy services across Victoria and NSW. She works within a multidisciplinary team and supports patients across the lifespan with language, speech, pragmatic, literacy, fluency, and alternate and augmentative communication needs.

As she started her career in speech pathology, she also took on the role of secretary and editor at the Victorian branch of Speech Pathology Australia. This enhanced her administrative skillset while providing her with valuable opportunities to network and learn from leaders within her field.

Outside of work, Sarisha enjoys playing the piano, exploring new places to brunch and dine with her friends, spending time at the beach, and travelling to new places. With family interstate and speckled over different countries overseas, she often spends her downtime calling friends and family while she’s trying out a new recipe.