Dr Nabilah Ibnat

Course: Doctor of Philosophy, 2019
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Current role: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Kentucky

Please tell us about your postgraduate research at Monash.

During my PhD program at Monash University I worked on gene therapy for breast cancer, which was considered a promising approach in the field of clinical medicine. In the research project, important tumour suppressor genes in the form of plasmid and specific siRNAs against potential oncogenes were administered using inorganic nanoparticle (NP) of CA as carrier vector. The outcome of the study was very promising, having demonstrated that the combined delivery of tumour suppressor and siRNA for oncogene could synergistically reduce breast cancer cell proliferation.

Why did you choose Monash?

Monash University Malaysia is one of the best Universities in Malaysia and the research environment at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences is preferable. Also, my PhD supervisor is a renowned researcher in the field of nanomedicine, which influenced me to pursue my postgraduate degree at the University. I think choosing to study at Monash was one of the best decisions in my life.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

I participated in ITEX’16 Malaysia, Monash Innovation and Collaboration Open Day 2016, Three Minute Thesis Competitions 2017 and 2018, Monash Science Symposium 2018, and the 2nd Global Summit on Oncology and Cancer 2018 in Singapore.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

I liked all the amazing people I worked with at Monash. The environment, culture, flexibility of working hours, cooperation received from every aspect, from supervisor to fellow colleagues, admin officers, safety officers, I miss them all!

What is your career goal, or what is the difference you’d like to make?

My expertise evolved on cancer nanomedicine, molecular biology, microbiology, vaccine trial and population surveillance, and that allows me to think on a broader perspective of healthcare improvement in my country.