Dr Erika Cretney, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
01 September 2011
Unravelling the complexity of the immune system
Erika Cretney is fascinated by the human immune system. Her interest lies in ferreting out the function of genes, proteins and cell types in the immune system, and identifying the roles they play.
Her L’Oréal For Women in Science Fellowship allowed her to pursue a new target: a small group of T cells that play a role in controlling inflammation and auto-immune diseases.
Qualifications
2004 PhD (Pathology), The University of Melbourne: The role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in immune function
2001 Bachelor of Science, First Class Honours, The University of Melbourne
Career highlights, awards, fellowships and grants
2008 Senior Research Officer (Post-doctoral Scientist), Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
2004- Scientific Analyst (casual), Genscreen Pty Ltd
2006 Senior Research Officer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
2006 NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellow
2006 Publication of the year award, Immunology and Cell Biology
2005 Travel scholarship, The Society for Natural Immunity
2005 National finalist (one of five), New Investigator Award, Australian Society for Immunology
2005 The Victoria Fellowship
2005 Commendation for The Premier’s Award for Medical Research
2004 Research Officer (Postdoctoral Scientist), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
2004 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship, Cancer Council Victoria
2004 Postgraduate Research Medal for Outstanding Achievement and Scientific Excellence, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
2004 National finalist in Young Researcher of the Year Award, Cure Cancer Australia Foundation
2004 Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Product of the Year Award, for ScyAntics’ CD: Visions of Cancer-Unlocking the Mystery, Victorian State Government
2003 Student travel scholarship, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
2002 Melbourne Research Scholarship (student PhD living allowance), The University of Melbourne
2002 Melbourne Abroad Travel Scholarship, The University of Melbourne
2002 Department of Pathology travel scholarship, The University of Melbourne
2002 Best poster presentation prize, TNF superfamily conference 2002, San Diego, USA
2001 Best student question/most interactive student prize, IgV (Immunology Victoria) annual meeting
2000 Research Assistant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
1997 Research Assistant, Austin Research Institute
1999 Best conference speaker prize, IgV annual meeting
1997 Best poster presentation prize, 17th annual Australian Neuroscience Society meeting
