
PhD Student & Emerging Bio-Enterpreneur
New Zealand

PhD Student & Emerging Bio-Enterpreneur
New Zealand
PhD Student (Molecular Medicine) at the Liggins Institute
Spark, CEO (2010), Research Liaison (2009)
Chiasma, Chairperson (2008), CEO (2007)
Start-up venture: Cistron Technologies - Commercialising innovative solutions for the bioscience research market.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Management & Leadership of Teams, Acquisition of Opportunities, Growth & Development of Organizations.
(Non-Profit; Higher Education industry)
November 2009 — Present (1 month)
(Biotechnology industry)
March 2007 — Present (2 years 9 months)
Topic:
For my thesis I am researching the role of two growth factors that may act as oncogenes in the context of breast cancer.
Techniques/Skills:
Molecular Biology - DNA recombination, plasmid construction, subcloning, stable/transient transfection, siRNA, PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, ELISA, reporter activation assays, protein extraction and Western blot, IP, antibody purification.
Cell Biology - Cell lines generation and culture, bacterial cell culture and analysis, cell growth and cytotoxicity assays, angiogenesis in vitro, cell adhesion and migration/invasion assays, cell apoptosis, immunofluorescent staining, cell transformation assays, antibody inhibition assays, stem cell culture and analysis. Flow cytometry.
Microscopy: Light, fluorescent, confocal laser scanning microscopy
(Education Management industry)
January 2009 — November 2009 (11 months)
As the research liaison I am responsible for stimulating the participation of researchers and postgraduate students into the business start up and entrepreneurial programs.
(Biotechnology industry)
January 2008 — January 2009 (1 year 1 month)
Mentoring committee members, fund raising and industry partnering, strategy and alumni network development. Capturing opportunities for expansion.
(Biotechnology industry)
January 2007 — December 2007 (1 year )
Student-led university organisation that promotes biotech innovation and the linking of the student community with the wider industry.
Role: Creating and implementing new initiatives, facilitating industry collaboration and engagement, leading a team of 15 and a member base of 500 students, securing 2007 funding, doubling the prize pool of biotech innovation competition, event organisation for 150-300 attendees.
(Biotechnology industry)
November 2005 — March 2006 (5 months)
(Hospitality industry)
January 2001 — January 2003 (2 years 1 month)
(Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Education Management industry)
January 2002 — December 2002 (1 year )
PhD , Molecular Medicine , 2007 — 2010 (expected)
PhD Student at the Liggins Institute
Genesis Oncology Trust PhD Scholar
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholar
Entrepreneurship 2009 — 2009
Summer Institute of Entrepreneurship: A program targeted at graduate students in non business fields to learn analytical and practical business skills critical to launching successful businesses.
B.Tech (Hons.)(1st Class) , Biotechnology , 2002 — 2006
University of Auckland Scholarship Recipient
innovative science, enterprenuership, all sports, new technology, inspiring others, socialising & networking, business development
NZBio, Auckland Cancer Research Network, American Association for Cancer Research, The Liggins Institute Post Graduate Committee. The Liggins Institute Student Association.
University of Auckland Entrepreneurship Activities:
Chiasma I-Volve Competition Winner 2006 & 2008
SPARK 10K Entrepreneurship Challenge 2005,2006,2008 Winner.
University of Auckland Academic:
The University of Auckland Scholarship (undergraduate degree),
Genesis Oncology Trust PhD Scholar,
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholar,
Lottery Health Research PhD Scholarship (declined),
Bright Future Top Achievers Doctoral Scholarship (declined).
2005/2006 UoA FHMS Summer Research Scholarship
Senior Scholar in Biotechnology