Refaya Rezwan

Hudson Institute is affiliated with Monash University, which initially piqued my interest in its ongoing projects. The Nucleic Acids and Innate Immunity Research group, led by my supervisor Associate Professor Michael Gantier, at the Institute has quite often found its way to headlines for its exceptional research into immune regulators and immunosuppressants, which emboldened my resolve to join the research group.

Through this project we hope to unravel the intricacies of the cGAS-STING pathway through identifying and characterizing some key kinases. We are also looking into new and recycled small molecules for their potential immunosuppressive activities.

Hudson Institute culture promotes inclusiveness and respect for all. There is an ease and fun in learning here which I found unique to the Institute. Most accessories and equipment needed for the experiments have easy accessibility which helps me concentrate more on my research. The Institute thrives in impactful collaborative research and helps build up academic and industry-based networks which are essential for students and early career researchers going forward.

Hudson Institute is full of opportunities for its students and staff alike. I got the chance participate in the Institute’s bi-yearly student retreat as soon as I started my doctoral journey, where I was able to communicate my research aspirations to fellow students and researchers in person. Weekly journal clubs and seminars at the Institute so far proved to be essential for growing my knowledge and staying updated on immunology and related areas. I am looking forward to enriching my Hudson Institute experience by the years.

Our work may eventually lead to development of potential immunosuppressants that prove to be key interventions in cancer, vaccine-induced, and auto-immune related inflammations.