Dr Kavitha Gowrishankar, Scientific Lead of the Advanced Cellular Therapeutics team at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, is working hard to make a real difference in cancer research.
My passion for science began at a young age, growing up in a family of doctors and discussing diseases at the dinner table. My interest in research grew as I discovered the world of genetics, molecular biology and immunology.
Today, me and my team are working on the 'CAR T-cell Project' which uses genetic modifying tools, using the patient's own cells to develop immunotherapies to help treat cancer in children with sarcoma. We are basically trying to give kids the superpowers to fight off cancer.
Every project that I've worked on in my career is part of a bigger picture - to help patients. When you have the knowledge and technical skills of genetic engineering, it's criminal not to apply these in the real world or use them for patient care.
Using genetic engineering to develop novel immunotherapies is definitely a highlight of my research. It's incredibly satisfying to see the positive outcomes of years of research and having an incredible team of supportive colleagues, staff and mentors to work with makes it all the more enjoyable.
Being a part of NSW Health has granted me the unique opportunity to do translational research firsthand. Working at Westmead Hospital, originally with the cell therapies group and now at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, has shaped my research and I am constantly aware that every small discovery or finding has the potential to directly benefit patients.
My involvement in multidisciplinary teams also means I get to hear firsthand about clinical challenges. This helps me shape research and ask relevant questions to develop relevant therapies.
I encourage any girls or women who dream to work in science to persist. It can be hard but it's worth it. In research especially, it's easy to be disheartened by negative results, but it's important to keep sight of your goal and never accept that something is impossible.
What is science-fiction today, is achievable tomorrow.
