Meet Anju, from FRT to PhD candidate

After completing the Future Research Talent program at The Australian National University, Anju decided to return to Canberra to pursue her PhD with the Centre for Personalised Medicine at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Drawn by world-class facilities, a collaborative research culture, and Canberra’s welcoming community, Anju is now exploring how genetic variants contribute to autoimmune diseases.

What made you decide to return to Canberra and pursue your PhD with Centre for Personalised Medicine (CPM) after completing the FRT program?

To put it simply, I had an incredible experience at ANU as an FRT scholar. The research happening at the CPM aligns closely with my career aspirations. Moreover, the facilities at the John Curtin School of Medical Research are among the best in the world. During my time at the ANU in 2023, the events organised by Jay Poria and the other FRT coordinators helped me explore not only science and research, but also the culture and landscape of Canberra. The laidback and culturally diverse atmosphere of Canberra made me feel at ease, which is another reason why I decided to return.

The CPM team 2025.

What was it about CPM or the research team that made you feel this was the right place to grow academically?

As I approach the completion of my first year of PhD studies, I can confidently say that it has been an enriching experience. The learning curve has been steep with opportunities to develop both technical skills and research expertise. There's always been someone around to help me figure out new stuff when I needed it. One of the best things is that I have the freedom to pursue my ideas while having the security of a collaborative environment. The cheerful atmosphere at the CPM helps in managing stress at work, which has been instrumental in helping me grow as a researcher while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

How have you found the transition to living and studying in Canberra long-term?

Living abroad as an international student is quite challenging. From understanding the local accent to simple things like grocery shopping or navigating public transport, little things were overwhelming at first but gradually became second nature. Being away from my familiar support network pushed me to become self-reliant and proactive in seeking help when needed. One of the biggest positives of living in Canberra has been the exposure to people from different cultural backgrounds, which broadened my perspective. Academically, it took me some time to get used to the work culture, which is quite different from what I had experienced so far.  

Can you tell us a bit about your PhD project and what you're hoping to achieve?

My current research focuses on examining how a gain-of-function variant in a T-cell Kinase contributes to autoimmune disease development. This variant has been identified in seven unrelated patients who all present with autoimmune conditions, which suggests it plays a role in disease pathology. I am trying to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the disease by investigating the cellular responses in a CRISPR-generated mouse model carrying the orthologous mutation. By gaining deeper insights into how this genetic variant causes disease, I aim to identify potential therapeutic targets. This could lead to the development of more precise, personalised treatment approaches for patients carrying this mutation, ultimately improving their clinical outcomes and quality of life.

How does your current research contribute to the broader mission of personalised medicine?

In personalised medicine, we tailor treatment based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of the disease. The mechanistic insights we gain from this study will help us understand not just what happens in these patients, but why it occurs at the cellular and molecular level. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies that address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. Suppose we can pinpoint the pathway that gets affected. In that case, we could repurpose existing drugs or develop new ones that specifically target these pathways. This could also help in developing diagnostics and genetic screening protocols to aid in the faster detection of diseases. 

Have there been any mentors or moments that have really shaped your experience so far?

Yes. I am lucky to have found incredible lab members who inspire me in different ways. My supervisors, Simon and Vicki, have been supportive and encouraging, not just academically but also in my personal growth. I also want to mention my mentor, Dr Morgan Downes, who has guided me throughout in planning experiments and developing a scientific mind. I had zero experience in mouse work and flow cytometry before I joined as a PhD student. With the help of the research team, I have developed a good understanding and skill to master these techniques, which play a crucial role in my project.