Angela Lanzlinger

Honours student, Menzies Research Institute

What are you doing now in your current research?

And why is it important? I am currently doing research into the lethally inherited disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF), more specifically into preventing the lung infections that often are the cause of death in these patients by ~ age 35. The prevalence of CF is highest in Tasmania (1/1600 live births) and as there is no known cure for CF, it is important to help develop better treatment strategies to improve patient prognosis.

How did you become interested in your field?

During 2006 I undertook a case study of a child with CF as part of my university studies which sparked my interest in this disease. I then carried out a research project in 2007 into the chronic bacterial lung infections that plague CF patients which furthered my interest into the area of microbiology and gave me the opportunity to get the feel for research.

What interested you in science as a child?

I became interested in science and how things worked from activities such as catching bugs in my bug catcher and wondering why they kept dying and incubating chicken eggs in primary school. I also loved how field trips and experiments got me out of the classroom and exposed me to new concepts that were intriguing.

What did you study at university and why?

I began a degree in biotechnology, explained as “the use of biology through food science, medicine or agriculture to create products to benefit human life”. I chose this path as I thought it seemed interesting and is an upcoming field that would provide me with many career opportunities. With a keen interest in the medical field and a desire to enter a career where I could make a difference, I chose subjects such as human biology, biochemistry, medical microbiology and immunology with a tendency to undertake research based projects where possible, allowing me to gain valuable work experience in the lab.

What do you want to do in the future?

At some time I hope to go travelling overseas and either gain a position working in microbiology/pathology or continue my current research by applying for a PhD position with the Menzies Research Institute.