Former GMRI summer students gain Honours degrees

Ranui Baillie (left) and Lucy Sulzberger

Two former participants in the GMRI’s summer students’ programme have just been awarded Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) degrees from the University of Otago.

Ranui Baillie (25) and Lucy Sulzberger (22) are both studying at the University’s Medical School, based in Wellington.
Their degrees came after they both took time out from their medical studies to complete a one-year, thesis-only course.

Ranui’s thesis focussed on the role of stem cells in tongue cancer.  This follows a previous breakthrough when she was responsible for identifying and characterising a unique population of cancer stem cells in tongue cancer.  International patent registration has been filed covering her work.

Lucy’s thesis covered strawberry birthmark and the activity of a particular signalling pathway involved in stem cells and the production of blood cells.

When she completes her studies at the end of next year, Ranui will finish seven years of study and add a Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine degree to her BMedSc(Hons).

She hopes to work as a plastic surgeon, emulating Dr Swee Tan, the Founder and Executive Director of the GMRI.

Lucy will graduate in 2017 with a Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medicine degree to complement her BMedSc(Hons).

She hopes to work in the field of research mixed with clinical practice, a career model she was inspired to follow having worked with members of the GMRI research team.

The GMRI’s summer students’ programme allows participants to undertake research projects at the GMRI, under the supervision and guidance of Dr Tan and his colleagues, from early November until early February, when they return to university studies.

Sir Roderick and Lady Deane have supported the GMRI summer students’ programme for four years through their Deane Endowment Trust.