Eyla Oxborrow's success at ASMR conference

What course are you studying? When did you commence your studies at UTS? 

I am currently completing the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UTS. I commenced my studies in 2021 and I am planning to complete my undergraduate degree in November 2023. 

Where did you do your internship? What types of experiences did you have during your internship?

I completed my internship at the ImmunoPharmacology Research Group (IPRG) at UTS, under the guidance of Dr Chantal Donovan and Dr Richard Kim. My internship experience was exceptional and a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to gain new knowledge and skills, and giving me a glimpse into the world of research. Throughout the course of my research project, I had the opportunity to acquire a wide range of technical skills, such as conducting RNA extraction and purification, analysing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung function assessments, as well as histological techniques, such as processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Additionally, I had the opportunity to observe and learn about other techniques such as cDNA synthesis and real-time qPRC. I also developed my ability to write scientific reports and critically evaluate scientific literature.

What is the background to you attending the conference and presenting the poster?

During my internship, my supervisors asked me if I would be interested in presenting my project at the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) Conference. Of course, I said yes. Before being selected to present at the conference, I was required to submit an abstract outlining my research project. I was super fortunate and grateful to be accepted and invited to present a poster at the ASMR conference.

What was the topic of the poster?

Obesity is a major risk factor for asthma, and obese asthmatic patients, particularly females, are more likely to have more severe and treatment-insensitive diseases. However, how obesity drives the pathogenesis and severity of asthma is poorly understood and there is an urgent requirement for new, more effective treatments that improve the quality of life for these individuals. There is immense promise in the application of mitochondria-targeting uncoupling drugs to treat obesity and obesity-associated asthma, however, conventional versions of these drugs are linked with safety issues, and this has hampered progress in this area. The focus of my poster was to investigate a derivative of a mitochondria-targeting uncoupler, which aims to overcome certain limitations and safety issues observed in vivo models of obesity and obesity-induced severe asthma. 

Was this the first conference you attended? 

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Amgen Scholars Program where I spent 2 months in Melbourne, working on a research project with the Bionics Institute. At the end of the program, I presented at the Symposium event, where I had the privilege of presenting my research to an audience.

The ASMR conference that I attended during my internship was a great event where I was able to learn about the diverse and inspiring medical research currently taking place in NSW. Witnessing the researchers’ dedication and passion reflected in their work was truly motivating. From the presentation sessions, keynote speakers, poster presentations, and networking opportunities, the conference offered valuable insights into the world of research.

How did you feel after being told you had received the best poster for an ECR?

I remember sitting in the audience alongside my supervisor, Chantal Donovan, when they announced my name as the recipient of the Best Poster Presentation Award. I felt super proud and grateful for the award, as I was not expecting it at all, with the vast amount of research and talent within the science community. I was beyond thrilled to have received the award and felt deeply thankful to the event organisers for orchestrating a great event and allowing me this incredible opportunity.

How did UTS Science support you to achieve this success? How did your studies and course experience support you to achieve this success?

The support provided by UTS Science has played a pivotal role in achieving this success. The ability to incorporate an internship into my elective coursework during my undergraduate degree has been incredible in helping me acquire a diverse range of skills that I previously did not have access to. My studies and course experience have also significantly supported me in my success, solidifying my scientific foundation in key areas such as immunology, pharmacology, histology, haematology, and metabolic biochemistry. The course staff and academics who lead the lab practical sessions and lectures are genuinely supportive and invested in the success of their students, which has been truly invaluable to my success at UTS.

What are your major career goals and aspirations? Are you looking to go into research?

My aspirations include starting an Honours research project next year, and hopefully progressing towards a PhD. Ultimately, I would like to pursue a career in research and academia. 

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge and express my deepest appreciation for my supervisors, Dr Chantal Donovan and Dr Richard Kim for all their support and invaluable guidance throughout my internship and preparation for my poster presentation at the ASMR Conference. Additionally, I would like to thank Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver for his encouragement and warm welcome into his lab group. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Ethan Pacchini, Dr Henry Gomez, Olivia Carroll, Dr Min Feng, Dr Xu Bai, Professor Hui Chen, Professor Jay Horvat and Associate Professor Tristan Rawling for their involvement in the project and their support which allowed me to present this work at the ASMR Conference.