Study at WIMR
Students are a fundamental part of research activity at WIMR. We give our students the opportunity to do important work that is closely linked to the needs of patients.
The more than 100 students at WIMR benefit from state-of-the-art technology, world-class research leadership and a strong culture of collaboration.
What’s student life like?
Of the over 400 people at the Westmead Institute, around 110 are honours or PHD students. Brilliant, determined and ambitious to make a difference to people’s lives, they are a daily inspiration to our research teams. Watch here for a glimpse of student life at the Institute.
Social society for research students
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Student Q and A
Daniel Buffa
Education: PhD
Research Centre: Centre for Virus Research
Read Daniel's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
Our research lab recently identified a new HIV-facilitating cell that is not only enriched within the tissue sites associated with HIV transmission but also located in the superficial tissue layers. This means these cells are likely to be involved in the sexual transmission of the disease.
My project aims to determine what drives these cells towards the virus, with the hope of eventually finding a way to block this movement and prevent infection. We are examining this process using human tissue samples, which we obtain from hospitals throughout Western Sydney.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
Having a better understanding of this unique cell could hopefully have implications for HIV and general skin/mucosal vaccine design. As with all things in science, we’re aiming to contribute towards the global goal of developing stronger preventative options against HIV.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
HIV prophylaxis (preventative medication) has come a long way since the start of the epidemic 40 years ago. However, uptake and accessibility issues still plague current prophylactic options, particularly in lower socio-economic regions, meaning HIV is rapidly becoming a health inequality issue. What inspired me to move into this field was the desire to address exactly that. If we can develop accessible, affordable, and minimally administered preventative options, it should help tackle global health inequality.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
Easy answer – the people. WIMR has resources and scientific technology that could rival any institute in Australia. However, what truly makes the institute stand out is the community. We’re a genuinely collaborative institute, where everyone – from principal investigators and knowledgeable support staff through to fellow students – is willing to help and guide you, ensuring the best educational and experimental outcomes.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR has supported my development as a researcher by not only providing access to world-class cell diagnostic technologies, but also strong training on how to maximise these capabilities. Additionally, the supervisors at WIMR genuinely care about their students as individuals, which makes a real difference.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
I’m currently in a bit of a hobby transition. Previously, my weekend passion was playing rugby, but as I move away from that this year, I’m hoping to use the extra time to become more proficient at barbecuing and smoking meat. My brother lives in Austin, Texas, so it’s a bit of a shared passion between us.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I’m not 100% sure yet. I’m currently enjoying the PhD journey and still have another two years before I need to decide what to do after my candidature.
Lauren Faul
Education: Honours
Research Centre: Centre for Cancer Research
Read Lauren's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
My research is about the study of proteins in skin cancers and skin diseases, primarily using a scarless biopsy technique. Utilising this scarless technique, we are able to extract proteins, identify those proteins using mass spectrometry and perform analysis to investigate which pathways are affected in each lesion type.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
We are hoping to alleviate some stress on dermatologists and aid in diagnosis and prevention of skin cancers and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as aid those who cannot access a dermatologist.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
Suffering from eczema can impact you more than expected and I wanted to learn more.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
I went to Sydney University and my honours was at the WIMR facility.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
Over the past couple years, I have needed to add skills to enhance my research and WIMR has provided me with the opportunity to develop those new skills, such as learning new techniques for staining.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
A balance of exercise, volunteering, socialising with friends and pursuing my hobbies such as knitting provides a healthy balance and keeps me coming back to research.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I would like to pursue medicine and/or undergo a PhD.
Nathan Poon (June)
Education: Honours
Research Centre: Centre for Transplant and Renal Research
Read June's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
Cardiorenal syndrome is a chronic kidney disease that leads to impaired cardiac function.
My research project investigates the protective role of a type of medication known as sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).
This drug was typically used by type 2 diabetic patients at risk of heart disease, but recent studies have found that this inhibitor is also effective at reducing cardiovascular disease and renal disease without affecting insulin levels.
My research project aims to measure and identify whether this drug can significantly improve markers of cardiorenal syndrome.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
CRS remains a significant issue and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease increasing. My research aims to investigate a broader role of SGLT2 inhibitor medications and their potential in treating CRS beyond diabetes. Above all, this research can contribute to improving patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
During my undergraduate study, I was particularly drawn to studying the heart. The immense prevalence of cardiovascular disease inspired me to study and help contribute to improving patient diagnosis, treatments and quality of life.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
As a large and established medical research institute, WIMR presented an exciting opportunity to study Honour’s within it’s state of the art facilities. As a home for some of esteemed researchers, the ability to collaborate extensively with researchers of all disciplines and skills to develop precision medicine was compelling.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR has provided great networking opportunities through the seminar series and the lunches. The training program for new students was very helpful and allowed me to improve my pipetting skills. Each piece of equipment and software has dedicated training which has allowed me to develop new skills.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
Outside of my studies, I am involved in numerous creative projects. Currently, this involves clothing design, music production, graphic design and I aspire to learn videography.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I am not 100% sure right now, but I want to continue chasing my dreams of starting a clothing label or design studio and then enter a role relevant to my degree.
Parul Saini
Education: PhD
Research Centre: Centre for Cancer Research
Read Parul's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
I’m working on developing a new type of cell-based therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) using engineered immune cells called Natural Killer cells. By modifying these cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs), we aim to guide them to selectively identify and destroy AML cells.
This approach, known as NKCAR therapy, harnesses the natural cancer-killing ability of NK cells and enhances their precision, offering a promising treatment alternative for patients who don’t respond well to conventional therapies.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
AML is an aggressive blood cancer with poor outcomes, especially in older patients. Current treatments often fail due to toxicity or relapse. I hope that NKCAR therapies will offer a safer and more accessible form of immunotherapy – one that is scalable, potentially off-the-shelf, and less likely to cause severe side effects. My goal is to contribute to a shift in how we treat aggressive leukaemias, making curative treatments more widely available.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
During my master’s, I was deeply moved by stories of patients undergoing harsh chemotherapy regimens with limited success. The concept of using a patient’s own immune system – or enhanced versions of it – to fight cancer was both scientifically fascinating and personally meaningful. The potential to directly impact lives through cellular therapy became a powerful motivator for my research path.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
WIMR stood out for its translational focus, cutting-edge immunotherapy programs, and close integration with clinicians at Westmead Hospital. It offers the perfect ecosystem for bridging bench research and bedside application. Being mentored by leaders in cellular therapy at WIMR allows me to engage in high-impact work with clear clinical relevance.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR has provided access to advanced cell engineering facilities, strong interdisciplinary collaborations, and continuous training in both lab techniques and scientific communication. The supportive research environment, mentorship, and exposure to real-world clinical challenges have greatly shaped my skills and scientific thinking.
In addition to your research, what other activities/interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
Outside the lab, I enjoy painting and digital illustration, which allow me to express creativity in a different way and help me visualise scientific ideas more clearly. I also practice yoga and go on bushwalks—these give me the mental clarity and balance I need to stay focused on my work.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I hope to continue working at the interface of research and clinical translation, ideally in a postdoctoral role focused on immuno-oncology. Long term, I aim to contribute to the development and commercialisation of off-the-shelf cellular therapies, making advanced treatments accessible to more patients globally.
Wade Bocking
Education: Honours
Research Centre: Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research
Read Wade's Story
What was your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
My work involved investigating the potential pathogenic role of Epstein-Barr Virus in the occurrence and progression of autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. We looked at gene and protein expression of key EBV lifecycle markers, ultimately aiming to see how the virus’ lifecycle differs in disease contexts.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
Currently, there are no cures for these autoimmune diseases and therapies often prove to be insufficient. On top of this, our understanding of why these diseases occur and how they progress is also relatively limited. Therefore, we hope to explain the role of EBV in autoimmune disease, opening avenues for drug discovery and deepening our understanding of these diseases.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
Upon hearing about the project, I was instantly astonished by the link between a widely prevalent virus and autoimmune disease. After looking deeper into the area, I was captivated, not only about what seemed like an unlikely connection, but also by the significant knowledge gap that existed surrounding these autoimmune diseases.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
I chose WIMR because of the researchers, facilities and opportunities available at the institute. Alongside this, the potential to recruit patients from right next door at Westmead Hospital is a massive bonus, allowing me to feel a more authentic and patient-centred connection with my work.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR has provided me with many opportunities for professional development during my time at the institute. In terms of research, WIMR’s vibrant community, in conjunction with seminars and early career researcher events, expanded my scientific knowledge and made me feel welcome instantly, allowing for me to make meaningful connections not only within my lab group, but also across the building.
More broadly, I have been involved in the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, helping to plan events which foster and continue a sense of community at the institute. Along with this, I have also volunteered at WIMR fundraising events such as the 2025 WIMR Race Day. These opportunities have all attributed to my growing passion for scientific research.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
To balance out all the science, I always look for new things to do. This spans from more physical activities like tennis, bouldering and bushwalking to more creative outlets like my pop-punk band and painting.
What are you doing now after completing your PhD/Master/Honours, and what is your plan?
After completing Honours, I continued with the research group as a research assistant under the supervision of Dr Grant Parnell where I have been refining my research skills. From here, my plan is to undertake a PhD and continue a career in research, ultimately aiming to contribute to impactful discoveries along the way.
Samantha Cronin
Education: PhD
Research Centre: Centre for Virus Research
Read Samantha's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
My research looks at the immune systems of people living with both HIV and tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is the most common coinfection for people living with HIV and we know that the clinical outcomes for people experiencing both infections are really poor.
My project looks at why this is. We study the HIV genomes of people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as their immune responses to understand the effects of both infections on the body.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
There is still no HIV cure, and we hope that our research will guide the development of a cure that is effective for all people living with HIV. Many proposed HIV cures rely in part on training the body’s own immune system to detect and kill HIV infected cells, clearing the infection. However, we have shown that in people living with tuberculosis and HIV, the immune system is less able to detect and kill HIV infected cells. This information is essential in developing an equitable cure for HIV which works for everyone who needs it.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
In my undergraduate degree I majored in infectious diseases and international relations and it was actually in my international relations work that I became interested in HIV and tuberculosis. These infections most commonly occur together in under resourced areas of the world and are responsible not only for significant mortality, but also for global challenges such as household poverty, poor economic development, and significant financial burdens on already stressed healthcare systems. Improving outcomes for people living with HIV and tuberculosis benefits not just the people who live with both infections, but it has the potential to improve significant global challenges we are currently facing.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
I chose WIMR at the beginning of my honours year because I wanted to do work that was as translational as possible. Being so connected to the hospital and health precinct was a huge pull factor for me. As I progressed into my PhD I was fortunate that there was a project being offered which allowed me to study HIV and tuberculosis coinfection, which had been my area of interest since I was an undergraduate student.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
I have had wonderful, knowledgeable supervisors in all my work at WIMR who have guided and encouraged me through my honours and my PhD. Additionally, I have been able to participate in mentoring programs offered through WIMR both as a mentor and a mentee which has been integral to my professional development.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
I like to unwind from my work by reading, trying new restaurants, and swimming either at the pool or in the ocean when it’s warm enough. In my spare time I also enjoy my part-time job where I produce biology education videos for high school students.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I would like to stay in research, moving from my PhD into a postdoc in infectious disease. I am also completing a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine part time so I would like to finish that and then hopefully combine my two interests to help solve emerging health problems in the Pacific.
Sarah Ho
Education: Honours
Research Centre: Centre for Cancer Research
Read Sarah's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
My research project investigates a rare subtype of ovarian cancer, low-grade serous ovarian cancer, which presents unique therapeutic challenges due to a poor response to standard chemotherapy. My research involves drug screening approaches to identify alternative treatment therapies and investigating new driver mutations.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
I hope my research will ultimately translate into better treatment outcomes for patients with additional tools for personalised care.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
Research opportunities during my undergraduate were highly rewarding, developing my appreciation for independent scientific research and my awareness of the knowledge gaps that remained to be addressed. Pursuing research in women’s health had always been a personal interest.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
I chose WMR for my PhD candidature based on my personal research interest as well as a preference for an institute that was well-facilitated and well-integrated with the Westmead Hospital for patient contact and patient samples necessary for research.
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR is well-facilitated with research equipment and core facility staff that are always able to help plan or troubleshoot experiments.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
Throughout the Westmead Hub there are a number of social events organised by students, EMCRs, internal WIMR staff and other groups, as a reminder to take breaks, have fun, and make new friends.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
Not quite sure yet.
Adrian Lee
Education: PhD student
Research Centre: Centre for Immunology & Allergy Research
Read Adrian's Story
What is your research project about? Can you give us an overview of your research project in simple terms?
My project focuses on autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly “attacks” healthy tissue. Specifically, I am focusing on a common disease called Sjögren’s disease which causes dryness, tiredness and organ damage. I am investigating how a type of immune cell (B cell) contributes to the disease.
How do you hope your research will impact real-world healthcare?
As a clinical immunologist, I use my research to better understand the disease that my patients face. I am hoping our research will lead to the development of better targeted treatments. Additionally, my research has revealed better biomarkers to help monitor my own patients in the clinic.
What inspired you to pursue this area of research?
Since a medical student, I have been fascinated by autoimmunity. During my specialist training, I had great mentors that encouraged research and interest in Sjögren’s disease.
Why did you choose WIMR for your study – PhD/Master/Honours?
I work next door as a doctor (Westmead Hospital) and it was only natural that I took advantage of the close proximity of this fantastic research institute that allows a literal “bedside-to-bench” approach to clinical care and research. My supervisor, who I met when I was a clinical trainee, happened to be here as well so that was fortuitous!
How has WIMR supported your development as a researcher?
WIMR has a strong inclusive and nurturing culture which has been instrumental in developing me as a clinician-scientist. Furthermore, the Institute offers state-of-the-art technology and research services that facilitates my research.
In addition to your research, what other activities/ interests/hobbies do you pursue that help you maintain balance and creativity?
Regular exercise (jogging) is important for my health plus music-making as a pianist is my go-to creative outlet.
What is your plan after completing your PhD/Master/Honours?
I would like to continue and expand my research so I can maximise the impact on the autoimmunity community. I hope to build leadership in the Sjögren’s disease field and continue to advocate for people suffering from this condition.
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Current student opportunities
The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, in partnership with the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, and Western Sydney University, supports over 100 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Research, and Honours students conducting research for their degrees.
A team of WIMR researchers, who are experts in their respective fields and hold joint appointments with our partner universities, serve as supervisors and mentors to guide these students.
Research at WIMR, including student-led projects, focuses on understanding how genes, molecular, and cellular processes influence health and disease. This knowledge forms the basis for developing future preventive measures, treatments, and cures.
Our research students benefit from access to researchers who are leaders in their field with extensive clinical networks, superb organisational culture, and stunning research environment.
We encourage students to reach out directly to researchers to explore the upcoming opportunities available (see researchers and research groups).