ME, PLATELETS AND SUGARS
Cartoon by Pearl Lei
LET'S TALK PLATELETS
The smallest blood cells crucial for bleeding cessation
WHO AM I?
I am a senior researcher and my research passion is the smallest blood cells, the platelets, which I've been studying for almost 12 years!
I currently work as researcher at the ANZAC Research Institute in Sydney, Australia.
For almost 8 years I was a senior Research Fellow, working at the R&D within Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (national blood bank). I studied all factors influencing platelet quality during storage. During my career, I always tried to link fundamental science with a translational angle.
My best achievement so far is the discovery of novel diagnostic and treatment tools for bleeding disorder Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), based on changes in glycans (carbohydrates/sugars) on the surface of platelets. ITP patients have very low platelet numbers due to antibody mediated platelet destruction in the spleen. Patients are prone to bleeding; 20% don't respond to current treatments. I found that antibodies against GPIb (main adhesion receptor) induced removal of sugar, sialic acid, leading to clearance of platelets by the liver, instead of the spleen. This research is leading to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Over time, science communication became one of my passions, hence this website.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I am a biomedical platelet biologist with a breadth of technical skills over >20 years. I am specialising in carbohydrates (glycans), membrane receptors, extracellular vesicles, cell clearance mechanisms, cell death and Transfusion medicine. I demonstrated novel platelet clearance mechanisms (removal of sialic acid) leading to development of diagnostic tools and treatments for patients suffering from bleeding disorder Immune thrombocytopenia.
I am passionate about science communication for early career researchers and the public (thrombosis awareness), educating complex biological systems.
My strengths are complex project management in new environments, developing out-of-the-box translational research ideas and bridging research disciplines. I have moved overseas 4 times, worked in a non-academic role, and have received external research funding and international awards within each role.
Bringing various stakeholders together, is demonstrated by my various leadership positions within the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and the (inter)national research collaborations I set up.
I am passionate about facilitating ECR and staff to reach their full potential and seeing them grow over time, demonstrated by 1st Class Honours, Dean’s Merit list for Academic Excellence, authorships on publications and travel award.