Meet Sophie Collard

As part of my undergraduate degree at WEHI I did a research project and absolutely loved it. The people, the equipment and all of the facilities were amazing, so I knew I would enjoy and benefit from doing my Masters here.

I am testing a combinational treatment for the autoimmune disease lupus, by treating lupus-like diseased mice. I combine a proteasome inhibitor with a JAK inhibitor to deplete antibody producing plasma cells, whilst also inhibiting inflammation.

I find diseases very interesting and love that by understanding the pathogenesis, this can help us to treat them. I am fascinated by all the inflammatory pathways and how these contribute to disease.

It’s a very good feeling knowing that the experiments we do will help to expand knowledge in the field, and I would like to produce research that could lead to new advances and understanding of disease treatments.

My days can vary quite a bit depending on whether I have classes or what type of experiment I am carrying out at the time. Typically, I will come into the lab around 9am and make up the mice treatments for the animal techs. I then start an experiment. During incubation periods, I do some Tissue Culture (TC) work, data analysis or assignments.

Everyone at WEHI is so lovely and welcoming; it is easy to reach out, ask questions and form connections. As well, the facilities are fantastic, making the ability to produce reliable and repeatable results much easier.

Socially, the WEHI student association has hosted many educational events that are helpful for gaining insight into different job paths I would never have thought of. Also, the monthly food and drink celebrations are great for meeting new people.

I completed a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. My major was Pathology, but I also did a lot of immunology and biochemistry subjects.