1. Amanda Lee (Singapore)
University of Melbourne
Fly school – developing new approaches to beat cancer
Amanda Lee had always had a talent for science, but when her uncle contracted cancer, she
was rapidly convinced of her life's vocation.
"After my uncle developed cancer, I knew I wanted to do research in that area. It made me
more motivated and driven. It is very difficult to find an exact cure for cancer – but I can
help.” Ms Lee said.
Ms Lee studied a Diploma of Biotechnology in her native Singapore before moving to
Melbourne, where she excelled, completing first a Bachelor of Science and then achieving a
first class Honours degree at the University of Melbourne.
During her Honours year, Ms Lee had undertaken a project in cell biology and realised her
true passion was in the lab. Knocking back other PhD opportunities, Ms Lee elected to
commence her PhD at the University of Melbourne under the supervision of her Honours
supervisor, Dr Leonie Quinn.
Ms Lee is undertaking a PhD studying the signals that initiate cancer, and in particular the
role of the Myc gene, which drives many cancers. The research involves intensive studies of
the role of the Myc gene in vinegar flies (Drosophila), which have proved their value as an
excellent cancer model over the past 100 years. Ms Lee can use our sophisticated
understanding of the fly’s genetics to activate specific cancer pathways, in order to try to
determine how the Myc gene initiates tumour formation.
“Our ultimate aim is to be able to block activation of cancer pathways in order to prevent
the growth of cancer. This project will help us understand the way cancer develops and
therefore allow us to develop new targeted therapies, which will block tumour growth with
fewer side effects for patients.” Ms Lee said.
Being awarded a Victorian International Research Scholarship (VIRS) was welcome
recognition of the value of her project.
“I didn’t expect it; it was really great additional support to get the scholarship,” Ms Lee said.
Ms Lee chose the University of Melbourne because of the broad range of equipment she is
able to access, as well as the expertise and support of her supervisor.
“The supervisor plays a key role. My supervisor makes the lab a nice place to be,” Ms Lee
said.
“Here you are independent, you have got to be motivated and do the project yourself –
that’s how you grow. The working environment here is different to Singapore,” Ms Lee said.
Dr Quinn said she was delighted to have Amanda in her lab.
"Amanda is one of the most talented and driven students I have ever had the pleasure of
supervising.
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2. “The VIRS has set Amanda up for the beginning of a top notch career in cancer research. No
one deserves it more than Amanda. Her love of science, amazing dedication to
understanding cancer and making new discoveries is inspiring to all around her."
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