Our Team

Past Experience: I received my PhD from the University of Melbourne in 2017. I then undertook a postdoctoral position at the University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research where I generated and utilised 3D culture organoids from pancreatic cancer patients for precision and personalised medicine.
Current Research: I now lead the Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Initiative Group undertaking a clinical trial in cellular immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer and investigates the clinical application of liquid biopsies in cancer.
Fun Fact: When not in the lab, you can find me on the court playing badminton or at the park playing with my dog, Sammy.
Contact: d.yeo@centenary.org.au
Follow on twitter X @yeo_dannel

Past Experience: I did my B.Tech in India before moving to Finland for MSc. I then joined the University of Queensland for my PhD which was focused on designing targeted gene therapeutic platforms for hepatocellular carcinoma based on AAV-derived vectors.
Current Research: In the Rasko lab, I aim to devise novel strategies to enhance gene therapy using AAV-based vectors. One strategy to achieve this goal is to manipulate the process of AAV transduction and vector-hostminteractions. I am currently using CRISPR-based genome-wide screens in different cell types to identify AAV-related host factors. Our ultimate goal is to modulate these host factors to increase the efficiency of AAV-mediated gene transfer.
Fun Fact: I used to be a semi-professional musician
Contact: b.dhungel@centenary.org.au
Google Scholar
Follow on Twitter X @dhungel_bijay

Past Experience: I have a Bachelor of Arts, Communication (University of Technology, Sydney) and PhD in Philosophy (University of Sydney). I have taught in these areas at university and have worked as the Editorial Coordinator of the journal Labour History.
Current Research: As an Editorial Research Officer within the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy program, my job is to research and write about the science, history and ethics of regenerative medicine.
Fun Fact: I’m very interested in the many ways that “life” has been understood throughout the ages, from the earliest creation myths to the latest fantasies of the post-human future.
Contact: c.power@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: I did my BSc. and MSc. in Biochemistry at Lincoln University, New Zealand. I moved to Singapore and worked as a laboratory officer in the Department of Pharmacology at the National University of Singapore. I then came to Australia and have been a research assistant at The Brain and Mind Research Institute, Woolcock Medical Research Institute and the University of Sydney Developmental and System Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences/Physiology.
Research Interests: I contribute to and am involved in research projects in areas of cancer with expertise in animal handling.
Fun Fact: I love to collect magnets from every city as I travel around the world! I have nearly 2500 magnets on my magnetic wall. I am in the process of creating a world map with them.
Contact: r.nagarajah@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: Studied a Bachelor of Forensic Biology in Biomedical Science at UTS and completed an Honours research project at the Kolling Institute investigating telomerase regulation in thyroid cancer.
Current Research: We are looking at the detection and isolation of circulating tumour cells from cancer patients, particularly pancreatic cancer, and how they can inform cancer management and treatment.
Fun Fact: I keep a variety of tropical fish and shrimp.
Contact: a.bastian@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: - Master of Science in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine @ the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria (2016-2019)
- Master thesis placement at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria (2018)
- Bachelor of Medical & Health Sciences (minor in International studies) @ the University of Wollongong (2011-2014)
- 1 year of International exchange at the University of Oslo, Norway (2013)
Current Research: Circulating tumour cells in pancreatic and lung cancer
Fun Fact: - Swims, cycles, runs and eats in my free time
- Marathoner and half an IRON(wo)MAN
- Cat mama
Contact: h.strauss@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) at the University of Technology Sydney. Honours in Applied Medical Science at CMRI Westmead through the University of Sydney.
Current Research: I am working on strategies to increase the transduction efficiency of AAV vectors into host cells to enhance the effectiveness of AAV-based gene therapies.
Fun Fact: I was born on Friday the 13th.
Contact: j.vitale@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Advanced) in immunology and medicinal chemistry at the University of Sydney, former summer scholar and Honours student in the Rasko Lab
Current Research: Having completed my Honours project in the Rasko Lab (fun times!) looking at the biology of mesothelin and optimising mesothelin-targeted CAR-T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer, my current PhD project focuses on improving the efficacy and immunocompatibility of anti-mesothelin CAR-T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer. Specifically, I will test if different delivery methods, immune cell types, and manufacturing designs can enhance the responses of this novel cancer immunotherapy in vitro and in vivo.
Fun Fact: I love ants (and insects in general)!
Contact: o.liang@centenary.org.au
Follow on Twitter X @OliverLiang15

Past Experience: I am a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and a medical oncologist at Calvary Mater Newcastle. I undertook a phase 1 clinical trial fellowship at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in 2021 after completing medical oncology training at Calvary Mater Newcastle and Gosford Hospital. I completed my basic physician training at Nepean Hospital and received my primary medical degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal. Besides lung cancer, my other special interests include gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers, along with critical care planning for oncology patients. Besides being involved in multiple phase 1 to 3 clinical trials, my past research involvement includes immunotherapy in advanced cutaneous SCCs, immunotherapy scheduling and associated toxicities, outcomes of advanced lung cancer patients admitted to ICU and resected colorectal liver metastases.
Current Research: In Rasko lab, I am currently undertaking a PhD in circulating tumour cells in Small cell lung cancer and working on improving the detection technique and characterisation of these rare cells to better guide our treatment strategy in lung cancer.
Fun Fact: In a parallel universe, I would be a Musician, Wildlife photographer, or Scuba diver.
Contact: p.shrestha@centenary.org.au
Follow @PrajS2020

Past Experience: Bachelor of Science (majoring in Biochemistry and Quantitative Life Sciences) at the University of Sydney
Current Research: As a part of my Honours project, I am exploring the interactome of ZNF185 to elucidate its function in pancreatic cancer.
Fun Fact: Passionate about protection of human rights.
Contact: e.skorokhodova@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Pathology) - at the University of Sydney.
Current Research: My honours project is doing CAR T cell therapy on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients drived organoids. In this project, I investigate the CAR T cytotoxicity and avidity in different antigen density, and results will be validated into in vivo mouse model.
Fun Fact: Science & detective fictions fan and I love spending my spare time on watching sci-fi movies.
Contact: r.hu@centenary.org.au

Past Experience: I am an early-career clinician-scientist. I received my Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Monash University in 2019. During medical training, I undertook a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci) and then PhD at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, VIC, investigating type I interferon signalling in breast and ovarian cancer. I subsequently worked as a Clinical Research Fellow in the biotechnology industry in Boston, MA, developing novel therapies targeting inflammation and cancer.
Current Research: I am currently a medical trainee in the Department of Cell & Molecular Therapies (CMT) at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where I’m involved in the provision of cell & gene therapies both commercially and in clinical trials. In conjunction, I am a visiting researcher in the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Laboratory at the Centenary Institute investigating innate immunology and cancer.
Fun Fact: I am an avid op-shopper and amateur sketch artist. My dog, Leo, thinks I’m a MasterChef.
Contact: z.marks@centenary.org.au
Follow on Twitter X @ZoeMarks16