Lauren Ashwood
CAREER HISTORY
Dr Lauren Ashwood received her PhD on molecular characterisation of sea anemone venom from the Queensland University of Technology in 2022. As part of her PhD, she employed integrated multi-omics analyses to investigate venom regulation and identified a number of novel toxin peptides, which are being screened as candidates for drug development.
In November 2022, she joined Dr Olga Kondrashova’s Molecular Oncology group at QIMR Berghofer, where she continues to develop her bioinformatic skills. Dr Ashwood is applying her expertise to explore how genomics can be used to predict treatment resistance and identify novel strategies to improve treatment outcomes for lung and endometrial cancer patients.
CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
2022-present: Research Officer, Molecular Oncology Group
2022-present: Honorary Fellow, University of Queensland
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
2021-2022: Genomics Technician, Central Analytic Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology
ORCID NUMBER
RESEARCHER ID
CURRENT AREA OF RESEARCH
In collaboration with Dr Eva Baxter (UQ) and Prof Andreas Obermair (UQ), Dr Ashwood is currently focused on identifying genomic predictors of progestin response in endometrial cancer using samples collected as part of the feMMe trial. The feMMe molecular project aims to identify which subset of patients are most likely to benefit from this non-surgical treatment alternative, and to support clinical decision-making.
In collaboration with A/Prof Kate Sutherland (WEHI), Prof Marcos Herold (WEHI), A/Prof Marian Burr (ANU) and Prof Andreas Strasser (WEHI), Dr Ashwood is performing molecular profiling of KRAS-mutated lung adenocarcinoma using pre-clinical cancer models and patient data. The aim is to identify the molecular mechanisms underpinning treatment response and acquired resistance. This will allow for identification of targetable vulnerabilities and improved treatment outcomes.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
- Led the study discovering that sea anemones modulate their venom composition based on the ecological function of their tissues (Molecular Ecology, 2022)
- Led the study reporting toxin gene expression is influenced strongly by tentacle morphology in sea anemones (Toxins, 2021)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2022-present: Australian Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Society (ABACBS)
2019-present: Genetics Society of Australia (GSA)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2022: PhD, Science Faculty, Queensland University of Technology
2017: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology