Previous Students

My project investigated the presence of cancer stem cells within tongue cancer. There is a theory that proposes that these cells are responsible for driving tumour development, and could provide a new treatment target for cancer. We used multiple techniques to identify marker proteins and genes within tongue cancer samples, and found that these cells do indeed exist. However, there is still a lot more work to be done on this.

I really enjoyed the collegiality amongst the students and working so closely with the more senior members of the team. Giving a presentation at an international Head and Neck Cancer conference in Darwin was a challenge for me, but also hugely rewarding.

Ranui Baillie

My research focused primarily on the role that stem cells play within strawberry birthmark by looking at the activity of a family of transcription factors within the various stages of this vascular tumour. I also cultured strawberry birthmark tissue and looked at how the stem cells it contains can be differentiated into blood cells.

The work conducted by the team at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is well grounded in current issues facing the health of New Zealanders and is well respected throughout the research world. The opportunity to work amongst a group which is both so passionate and knowledgeable was one I knew I could not pass by. Dr Swee Tan is not only incredibly well regarded for his dedication and amazing work, he is also a humble, passionate teacher who truly believes in the potential of young people.

Lucy Sulzberger

Summer Students

Max Blackwell

I was looking at pyogenic granuloma (a benign vascular tumour) and trying to identify a haemogenic endothelium (a type of blood vessel that can create blood cells) as well as investigating the presence of stem cells in the lesion.

I really liked the hands-on nature of it and knowing that things I was discovering had never been identified before. It is a great way to get experience in research in a really supportive but challenging environment … and it’s much better than doing dishes all summer!

I looked into the renin-angiotensin system being expressed within cancer stem cells of buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma. This summer, I am looking at oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and am specifically looking at the expression within the cancer of different cathepsins that are involved in the renin-angiotensin system.

I have learnt that when carrying out a project, there will be many times where you get no results, but it is important to keep an open mind and keep working at it, whether that means trying again or going with a different approach.

Therese Featherston

I studied the cellular characteristics of keloid scar tissue, focussing particularly on primitive cell marker detection and collagen production in cells.

I was fascinated by the novel research the team at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute are carrying out. Their passion was infectious and I wanted to be a part of it! Both the research and the Institute were interesting and ever-changing, and the opportunity to work with such a fantastic team was a huge drawcard.

Chelsea Grant

I studied the expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system in venous malformations.

I have always wanted to get involved in research. This was a great short-term opportunity to get a taste of what research is like. It was great to be able to do this within a small research group, where I felt that my ideas were valued.

Emily Keane

The research project I have been involved with looks at identifying and characterising a population of embryonic stem cells in Dupuytren’s Disease. We made the exciting novel discovery of a population of embryonic-like stem cells around the microvessels of Dupuytren’s Disease tissue.

The team at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute were the most supportive and encouraging team I have had the opportunity to work with. Never did they doubt our ability and knowledge as students.

Sabrina Koh

I was involved in exciting research looking for novel treatment targets for Dupuytren’s Disease – a debilitating hand disorder which is currently poorly understood and treated.

The team at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute made my studentship the awesome experience it was. They were all really friendly and willing to help us. Everyone had their own area of specialisation and I enjoyed learning from each of them.

Nicholas On

I have done two projects:
1) Firstly, looking at venous malformations (a type of vascular birthmark) in New Zealand and the effectiveness of different treatments.
2) Secondly, looking at the development of trismus (restricted jaw opening) in head and neck cancer patients secondary to treatment, and how this affects their quality of life.

My goal is to become a paediatrician, in order to help tackle the issue of child poverty in New Zealand, and make a valuable difference for our future generations. I hope to be able to continue to carry out research alongside my clinical work.

Frederica Steiner

I was involved in four research projects over my time at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, all on strawberry birthmarks. In my first project I identified and characterised subpopulations of myeloid cells within strawberry birthmarks, and a paper on my findings has just recently been published. In my second project, I looked at lymphocytes within strawberry birthmarks and a paper on my research has also been published. In my third project I looked for a particular neurotransmitter, neuropeptide Y, in strawberry birthmarks.

I think having the opportunity to do research at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute will make me a better doctor in the future. It instills an inquiring mind and provides me with the ability to formulate hypotheses and scientific methods of investigation. It is wonderful to be able to make a contribution to the scientific knowledge that may lead to more effective treatments.

Elysia Tan

My time at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute was primarily spent researching cancer stem cells and the expression of embryonic stem cell markers in oral cavity cancers.

I would definitely recommend it! It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about research in an incredibly supportive environment. The team at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute are not only leading scientists, but warm and friendly individuals and a pleasure to work with.