Frazer Institute Summer Research projects - Faculty of Medicine - University of Queensland

Harnessing Natural Killer cell-based immunotherapies for cancer

Project duration, hours of engagement	6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 36
Location:	Woolloongabba: Translational Research Institute (TRI)
Description:	Objective: This project aims to recruit and train summer students to work in A/Prof. Guimaraes's laboratory at the Frazer Institute/TRI. The students will learn advanced techniques and contribute to the development of NK cell-based immunotherapies for hard-to-cure cancers, including sarcomas and breast cancers. Background: Natural Killer (NK) cells are a critical component of the immune system, capable of targeting and destroying cancer cells. A/Prof. Guimaraes's laboratory is at the forefront of research in NK cell-based immunotherapies, focusing on innovative approaches to treat hard-to-cure cancers such as sarcomas and breast cancers. This program will provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge immunotherapy research. Program Description: The summer internship program will offer selected students a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers in a dynamic and supportive environment. Students will participate in various stages of research, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis. They will receive training in essential laboratory techniques such as cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Key Activities: - Introduction to NK cell biology and immunotherapy. - Hands-on training in cell culture and maintenance. - Flow cytometry techniques for NK cell characterization. - Molecular biology methods for genetic manipulation and analysis. - Bioinformatics tools for data analysis and interpretation. Research Projects: - Students will be assigned specific research projects aligned with ongoing studies in the lab. These projects may include: Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells; Investigating the tumor microenvironment's role in NK cell function; Developing strategies to overcome resistance to NK cell-based therapies.
Expected outcomes and deliverables:	Enhanced understanding of the research process and potential career paths in biomedical sciences.
Suitable for:	This project is open to applications from students with a background in chemistry, biotechnology, immunology and students considering a PhD.
Primary Supervisor:	Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes, f.guimaraes@uq.edu.au The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application.
Additional requirements:	This project requires evidence of vaccination or non-susceptibility for vaccine preventable diseases. Student will be provided with details to obtain evidence before commencing (information will be provided with an offer of placement).

Mapping innate immune signalling pathways

Project duration, hours of engagement	6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 36
Location:	Woolloongabba: Translational Research Institute (TRI)
Description:	Innate immune receptors are critical for sensing the presence of danger derived from microbes or damaged host cells. Activation of innate immune receptors controls immune responses to such danger, including inflammation and antimicrobial defence. This project will contribute to mapping the intracellular signalling cascades activated downstream of a poorly studied innate immune receptor. Outcomes of this project will advance understanding of how cells of the innate immune system sense and respond to infection and damages tissues. Long-term, we aim to utilise this knowledge to develop better ways of treating infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Expected outcomes and deliverables:	You will be part of a research team that undertakes lab-based experimental work. Specific techniques applied in this research include cell culture, biochemical and high-end fluorescence microscopy analyses, data analysis and interpretation. You will have the opportunity to attend group meetings where you will present and discuss your data, learn from and with others, and present your project in a final talk to the group.
Suitable for:	Background in immunology and/or cell biology is highly desirable. Prior practical lab experience would be welcome but is not a requirement.
Primary Supervisor:	Professor Antje Blumenthal, a.blumenthal@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application.