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Scope 44 - Three bright young stars

26 April 2011

For New Zealand to remain a world leader in biomedical research we require a continuous flow of new, well-trained scientists. Students who complete their postgraduate study at the Malaghan Institute are sought after globally because of the extensive and comprehensive immunology training they receive. Recently we welcomed three talented young scientists.

Ryan Kyle

Ryan grew up in Napier before moving to Wellington in 2007 to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Molecular Pathology at Victoria University. He became interested in immunology research after working with Dr Anne La Flamme on his Honours project and felt that the Malaghan was the perfect place to continue his interest. Ryan's PhD research will examine "Th2 cell function and fate during immune responses", under Prof Graham Le Gros' supervision. In his spare time Ryan makes the most of the Wellington music scene and is looking forward to getting back into kayaking, previously being an avid canoe-polo player.

Naomi Baker

Originally from Hamilton, Naomi Baker worked as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Wellington Hospital before starting her PhD research at the Malaghan Institute. To support Naomi in her PhD studies, she has been awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Wellington. A snowboarding and indoor soccer enthusiast, Naomi said she chose the Malaghan for her studies because of its "reputation for high calibre research and commitment to the community." For the next three years Naomi will work with Prof Franca Ronchese on the development of a targeted immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic airway disease.

Alanna Cameron

Masters student Alanna Cameron's first contact with the Malaghan Institute was in 2006 when she collected for the annual Lollipop Appeal with fellow students from Queen Margaret's College. Alanna says she has always been interested in disease research and came to the Malaghan after completing her Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Molecular Pathology at Victoria University. When not in the lab studying the "immunological effects of highly targeted anticancer drugs" with Prof Mike Berridge, Alanna says she enjoys "spending time with friends and family, reading, shopping and doing anything that involves the great outdoors!"