Dr Molla Wassie is a Clinical and Nutritional Epidemiologist and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at Flinders University. His research focuses on colorectal cancer prevention, using large-scale longitudinal data to develop personalised screening strategies. He is a lead and associate investigator on several national projects exploring cancer biomarkers, risk stratification, and diagnostic innovations.
In 25 words or less, tell us what your research is about?
My research explores how diet and lifestyle influences disease prevention, including bowel cancer, and seeks to improve colonoscopy surveillance for individuals undergoing regular screening.
How do you believe your research will impact patient care or public health outcomes?
Bowel cancer is highly treatable when detected early through regular screening, such as faecal tests or colonoscopy. Lifestyle improvements such as healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep play a key role in preventing not only bowel cancer but many chronic diseases. My research aims to enhance patient care by identifying those at highest risk of bowel cancer, enabling targeted screening, preventing bowel cancer, and optimizing the use of limited colonoscopy resources.
What do you enjoy most about being a researcher?
As a public health researcher, I’m driven by the goal of preventing disease and strengthening health systems. What I enjoy most is seeing my research translated into real-world policies that improve lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear directly from people through surveys and know that my work is making a tangible difference.
What do you do when you’re not researching?
Outside of research, I’m a family-oriented person. Life as a researcher can get very busy, especially when balancing work and family. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and gardening in my small yard. Soccer is fun and helps me relax, stay active, and clear my mind. I also love relaxing with family and friends by watching cultural shows together—it’s a great way to connect and enjoy shared traditions.
What advice would you give to aspiring health and medical researchers?
No one medical researcher solves all the world’s pressing health problems alone, but every small research contribution matters and adds to the bigger picture. Research is a team effort, so enjoy the journey, collaborate, and learn from others. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.