Kaylene Simpson

Instructor
Department of Cell Biology
Harvard Medical School
Boston

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

"The most significant challenge I face is to develop an independent research career in a highly competitive field, ultimately to run my own lab and attract sufficient financial support to be successful."

After completing my Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Genetics, I chose to enter the plant biotechnology industry to broaden my research exposure before committing to a PhD. My PhD studies at La Trobe University allowed me to enter the fascinating field of mammary gland biology that then provided a platform to step into the breast  cancer field. After three years of Postdoctoral studies investigating one of the key genes involved in hereditary breast cancer, I have moved to a senior Postdoctoral scientist position at Harvard Medical School. I work independently within a large laboratory whose primary focus is molecular investigation of breast cancer metastasis. I am developing specific research projects targeting areas of my interest and those of biological significance. We are tapping into cutting edge equipment and technologies and interact with the broader scientific community through weekly seminar programs, local focus group meetings and conferences. The most significant challenge I face is to develop an independent research career in a highly competitive field, ultimately to run my own lab and attract sufficient financial support to be successful. The time pressures associated with performing experimental laboratory work are matched with maintaining surveillance of current literature, publishing your experimental findings and writing fellowship/grant applications. Science is a global endeavour, it offers the fabulous opportunity to travel, and meet and collaborate with people from diverse histories, which is highly rewarding, both scientifically and personally.

Moving from a small country town to Monash was a significant change, although the transition was made easy by quickly establishing friendships with my peers at the Halls of Residence. Although my studies at Monash focused specifically on plant genetics, the Bachelor of Science degree provided a solid scientific foundation with which to move into other fields. The honours year is a challenging but extremely worthwhile year that greatly develops your scientific skills and perspectives and provides an invaluable network for your future with both academic staff and fellow students.