27 May 2026
When Jaycee Kohrt joined the Malaghan Institute as a summer student at the end of 2025, she wanted insight into life as a researcher. Now she's completing her Master's project here, and looking forward to a career in science.
What first drew you to science?
It was a combination of enjoying year 10 science, loving animals and completing the Seek careers quiz. While the quiz told me my top match was ‘dog walker’, I kept looking through the list and saw scientist.
I saw a lot of myself in that word. I’ve always been curious, always asked why, and have been fascinated by the microscopic world that exists beyond what we can physically see. That felt like a real lightbulb moment.
Why did you apply to the Malaghan Institute for a summer internship and how did that lead to your Master's?
I attended a workshop at the Hugh Green Technology Centre as a Victoria University biomedical science student earlier in 2025 and loved how supportive and passionate everyone was. It was the first time I really got to experience what being a researcher looked like day-to-day.
Immunology was already my favourite subject, so when I learned the Malaghan was an immunology institute, I knew I wanted to apply for the summer internship and was lucky enough to be offered one. The more time I spent here, the more passionate I became about the research and collaborative environment. During my internship I started working on a project with the Hilligan Lab, and was excited when there was an opportunity to continue that research through a Master’s degree.
What is the focus of your Master's research?
I’m researching small immune hubs in the lungs called tertiary lymphoid structures, which develop after viral or fungal infections. These structures help immune cells communicate effectively and produce strong antibodies close to the site of infection.
My project focuses on developing three-dimensional imaging techniques to better understand how these structures are organised. We hope this research could eventually provide insight into how tertiary lymphoid structures might be used as future vaccine targets.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
I’d love to continue working in a space where every day looks different and where I can experience different sides of science, like I do now through both research and imaging support work.
Whether that’s through a PhD, science communication, or both, I know I want to stay connected to research and help bring the incredible work scientists do out into the world.
What's something being at the Malaghan Institute has taught you?
The Malaghan has taught me the power of collaboration. You never achieve greatness alone. It is always with the support of one another that challenges can be overcome, new questions asked and – most of all – we gain the confidence to excel.