case study - amanda lee

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Amanda Lee (Singapore) University of Melbourne Fly school – developing new approaches to beat cancer Amanda Lee had always had a talent for science, but when her uncle contracted cancer, she was rapidly convinced of her life's vocation. "After my uncle developed cancer, I knew I wanted to do research in that area. It made me more motivated and driven. It is very difficult to find an exact cure for cancer – but I can help.” Ms Lee said. Ms Lee studied a Diploma of Biotechnology in her native Singapore before moving to Melbourne, where she excelled, completing first a Bachelor of Science and then achieving a first class Honours degree at the University of Melbourne. During her Honours year, Ms Lee had undertaken a project in cell biology and realised her true passion was in the lab. Knocking back other PhD opportunities, Ms Lee elected to commence her PhD at the University of Melbourne under the supervision of her Honours supervisor, Dr Leonie Quinn. Ms Lee is undertaking a PhD studying the signals that initiate cancer, and in particular the role of the Myc gene, which drives many cancers. The research involves intensive studies of the role of the Myc gene in vinegar flies (Drosophila), which have proved their value as an excellent cancer model over the past 100 years. Ms Lee can use our sophisticated understanding of the fly’s genetics to activate specific cancer pathways, in order to try to determine how the Myc gene initiates tumour formation. “Our ultimate aim is to be able to block activation of cancer pathways in order to prevent the growth of cancer. This project will help us understand the way cancer develops and therefore allow us to develop new targeted therapies, which will block tumour growth with fewer side effects for patients.” Ms Lee said. Being awarded a Victorian International Research Scholarship (VIRS) was welcome recognition of the value of her project. “I didn’t expect it; it was really great additional support to get the scholarship,” Ms Lee said. Ms Lee chose the University of Melbourne because of the broad range of equipment she is able to access, as well as the expertise and support of her supervisor. “The supervisor plays a key role. My supervisor makes the lab a nice place to be,” Ms Lee said. “Here you are independent, you have got to be motivated and do the project yourself – that’s how you grow. The working environment here is different to Singapore,” Ms Lee said. Dr Quinn said she was delighted to have Amanda in her lab. "Amanda is one of the most talented and driven students I have ever had the pleasure of supervising. 1

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Page 1: Case Study - Amanda Lee

Amanda Lee (Singapore) University of Melbourne 

Fly school – developing new approaches to beat cancer  Amanda Lee had always had a talent for science, but when her uncle contracted cancer, she was rapidly convinced of her life's vocation. 

"After my uncle developed cancer, I knew I wanted to do research in that area. It made me more motivated and driven. It is very difficult to find an exact cure for cancer – but I can help.” Ms Lee said. 

Ms Lee studied a Diploma of Biotechnology in her native Singapore before moving to Melbourne, where she excelled, completing first a Bachelor of Science and then achieving a first class Honours degree at the University of Melbourne. 

During her Honours year, Ms Lee had undertaken a project in cell biology and realised her true passion was in the lab. Knocking back other PhD opportunities, Ms Lee elected to commence her PhD at the University of Melbourne under the supervision of her Honours supervisor, Dr Leonie Quinn.  

Ms Lee is undertaking a PhD studying the signals that initiate cancer, and in particular the role of the Myc gene, which drives many cancers. The research involves intensive studies of the role of the Myc gene in vinegar flies (Drosophila), which have proved their value as an excellent cancer model over the past 100 years. Ms Lee can use our sophisticated understanding of the fly’s genetics to activate specific cancer pathways, in order to try to determine how the Myc gene initiates tumour formation. 

“Our ultimate aim is to be able to block activation of cancer pathways in order to prevent the growth of cancer. This project will help us understand the way cancer develops and therefore allow us to develop new targeted therapies, which will block tumour growth with fewer side effects for patients.” Ms Lee said.  Being awarded a Victorian International Research Scholarship (VIRS) was welcome recognition of the value of her project. 

“I didn’t expect it; it was really great additional support to get the scholarship,” Ms Lee said. 

Ms Lee chose the University of Melbourne because of the broad range of equipment she is able to access, as well as the expertise and support of her supervisor.   “The supervisor plays a key role. My supervisor makes the lab a nice place to be,” Ms Lee said.  “Here you are independent, you have got to be motivated and do the project yourself – that’s how you grow. The working environment here is different to Singapore,” Ms Lee said.  Dr Quinn said she was delighted to have Amanda in her lab.  "Amanda is one of the most talented and driven students I have ever had the pleasure of supervising.   

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Page 2: Case Study - Amanda Lee

“The VIRS has set Amanda up for the beginning of a top notch career in cancer research. No one deserves it more than Amanda. Her love of science, amazing dedication to understanding cancer and making new discoveries is inspiring to all around her."

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