Research Bytes

Dr Nunki Hassan was just 10 years old when her passion for science was sparked by Bill Nye the Science Guy and The Magic School Bus. Today, she’s turning that early curiosity into pioneering research, exploring new pathways toward more effective treatments for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Dr Archita Mishra is profiling the microbiome of preterm and term babies across populations, focusing on how generational shifts are shaping the microbiomes of future generations.

Dr Kylie Hunter’s career took a few unexpected turns before landing in the world of clinical trials. Today, she’s transforming infant care and uncovering hidden data anomalies with cutting-edge meta-analysis.

Dr Jenna Smith explores the communication older people receive around cancer screening and how it shapes their decisions. Her research reveals a key information gap for older women approaching the upper age limit for screening, and the emotional and practical consequences that follow.Read Jenna's research paper

Dr Susan Yuill joined the Cancer Council NSW as a systematic reviewer, contributing to the evidence base that supported the transition from two-yearly Pap smears to five-yearly HPV testing. She is now undertaking a PhD focused on HPV vaccination and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. Her research explores the broader benefits of HPV vaccination beyond cancer prevention, including its potential role in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in Australia. She is also investigating cervical screening participation among women in NSW who give birth and those aged 45 and over. Listen to learn more about this research, and read Dr Yuill’s paper: ⁠The impact of HPV vaccination beyond cancer prevention: effect on pregnancy outcomes⁠.

Dr Nigel Maher from Sydney Medical School is using AI related tools to help better diagnose and manage melanocytic tumours. Dr Maher was also the runner up in the 2024 Asia Pacific 3 Minute Thesis competition. Listen to the conversation with Professor Nancy Baxter.Watch Nigel's 3 Minute Thesis presentation >

Dr Binh Nguyen from the School of Public Health is examining the long term patterns of physical activity and how these effect the health of midlife women. Find out more about how quality of life measures a person's perceived well being and functioning, and relates to healthy aging and population health. Listen to the conversation with Professor Nancy Baxter.Read Binh's publication >

Dr James Kang left research at one stage to work at Westpac, but a tap on the shoulder brought him back and he’s now doing some great work on the development of chronic pain and the brain’s response to nerve injury. Listen to conversation with Executive Dean Professor Robyn Ward.Read his publication here.