Jasmine Catague’s PhD research at Deakin focuses on developing novel method to diagnose cancer metastasis during breast cancer surgery. Her work aims to enhance surgical outcomes, reduce the need for additional surgeries, and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
Why did you decide to do a PhD?
I decided to pursue a PhD after spending a year conducting research during my Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. I’ve always been passionate about Biochemistry and Pharmacology, but it wasn’t until I dove into research that I realised how powerful it could be. Research opened a new world of opportunities to make a tangible impact, particularly in developing solutions for improving cancer diagnosis. I came to appreciate how vital research is, especially in fields like cancer diagnostics, where it directly contributes to improving patient outcomes and addressing real-world medical needs.
Why is health and medical research important?
Health and medical research are crucial because it’s the backbone of medical innovation and improved patient outcomes. Through my research in cancer diagnostics, I’ve seen how research opens pathways to better understand disease mechanisms and develop interventions that can genuinely change lives.
What support did Deakin and your supervisor provide during your PhD?
Deakin has generously provided me a postgraduate scholarship which helped me to focus on my research project. Also, Deakin HDR have provided me with amazing resources and workshop to further enhance my academic writing and communication skills. There’s also generous medical and mental health assistance to HDR students. This year, I’m excited to be a mentee in the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS), an opportunity made possible by Deakin’s initiatives, which will help me further develop my professional skills and industry connections.
My supervisor has been very supportive throughout my PhD journey, and we have very open communication with weekly catch ups both academic and professional advice. They have consistently encouraged me to think beyond academia, exploring how my research could be translated into commercial applications, which has been invaluable for my development as a researcher.
How is your research linked to industry?
My research is closely linked to industry as it aims to translate into a commercially viable diagnostic tool for cancer surgery. Throughout my PhD, I’ve developed key transferable skills such as project management and time management—balancing complex experiments, coordinating resources, and adhering to tight deadlines—which are essential in both research and industry environments.
Additionally, I try to get more involved in science communication which will help me to convey complex ideas clearly, a skill vital for collaboration with industry partners and other stakeholders. These skills not only support the practical application of my research but also help bridge the gap between academic discoveries and industry needs, driving tangible improvements in patient care.
What impact will your research work have on the world?
My PhD research has the potential to make a significant impact by improving the accuracy of cancer metastasis detection during breast cancer surgery. By developing novel diagnostic methods, my work aims to enhance surgical outcomes for patients, reducing the need for additional surgeries and lowering the risk of cancer recurrence. Ultimately, I hope my work will lead to improved quality of life for patients.
What’s next? Where do you hope your PhD will take you?
I’m currently in the third year of my PhD, but looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in either industry research or clinical trials. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. My goal is to be actively involved in translational research, where I can contribute to developing tangible outcomes that directly improve patient care.
