Meet Rhys – a research assistant at the Immunomodulation Laboratory and the Eye and Vision research group. He previously worked on depression genetics and bat-borne viruses. He enjoys being at the ‘pointy end’ of experiments and competing in navigation sports.
What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I’m a research assistant in the Immunomodulation Laboratory where we investigate the control of immune cell activation for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. I also work in the Eye and Vision research group on the genetics of blinding eye conditions.
Where did you work before joining CMPH?
I spent seven years at SAHMRI working on the genetic basis of depression. Before that, I was at Flinders Ophthalmology and further back again at CSIRO in Geelong working with bat-borne zoonotic viruses.
What journey brought you to this point in your career?
I had an interest in science from a young age but never considered it as a career. As a kid I was fascinated with frogs and lizards and the idea of an ecosystem. When I was nine I conducted a battery of psychological tests on my one-year-old brother and collated the results into a manual. But it wasn’t until applying for university places that I considered a career in science. I was accepted into the Biotechnology course at Flinders and have worked in research since.
What is something you love most about your work?
Every now and then I get to be at the pointy end of an experiment that may have been months or years in the making. That specific moment when the results are revealed can be very satisfying or very deflating, but never boring.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
The 15-hour rogaine (an endurance navigation sport) at Carieton in June. Working on some upcoming interesting projects in the iMod and Eye and Vision labs.
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
I compete in orienteering and rogaining, play social netball, and have a like-dislike relationship with running. Reading, baking, gaming, and spending time with my three teenagers while they still tolerate my presence.