At the last Lunch Club of 2024, we welcomed speakers Associate Professor Paige Little and PhD Candidates Lucy Young and Shuya Tian.
Paige generously shared her career pathway as a researcher, Lucy talked about her microfluidic device for screening immune responses of the respiratory airway, and Shuya shared her research on breast tissue regeneration.
More information about the speakers:
Associate Professor Paige Little – My Academic Journey
Associate Professor Little is a Principal Fellow in Spine Research with the Biomechanics and Spine Research Group, a collaborative research group with members from both QUT and the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. She leads the Spine Group, based at the Centre for Children’s Health Research. Assoc/Prof Little’s expertise is in computational modelling for biomedical applications and she has extensive experience in the application of engineering and mathematical simulation techniques, modelling of physiological systems and mechanical characterization of spine biomechanics. Her skills are broadly in the use of 3D simulation, finite element modelling, non-invasive patient imaging, and advanced manufacturing to develop fundamental understanding of spine biomechanics and to design bespoke solutions for individual patients (particularly paediatric) with spinal deformity.
Lucy Young, HDR Candidate – A microfluidic device for screening immune responses of the respiratory airway
Lucy Young is a PhD student at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Her research focuses on the development of a microfluidic device able to support a co-culture of immune cells and primary lung cells in a compartmentalised design. This device will allow for the observation of dynamic immune cell behaviour in the presence of an inflamed or infected lung epithelium. Lucy holds a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from The University of Lincoln, UK, where she delved into innovative approaches to combat Clostridium perfringens using bacteriophage as a novel antibiotic alternative. Her journey further led her to contribute significantly as a Research Assistant at CN Bio Innovations, Cambridge, UK, where she played a pivotal role in the development of diverse microfluidic models, including gut, lung, and liver-on-chip systems.
Shuya Tian, HDR Candidate – Goodbye Silicone Implants? A New Era of Breast Tissue Regeneration
Shuya Tian, is a second-year PhD student at the Centre for Biomedical Technologies at QUT. Shuya’s interest in regenerative medicine was kindled during her master’s project, which focused on SLS printing of biodegradable bone scaffolds for tissue regeneration. After her master’s, she worked for two years in the industry, specializing in 3D printing orthopaedic implants. She notably contributed by establishing FDM production lines for trauma and patient-specific implants for plastic surgery, and by drafting industry guidance and patents. Her team achieved a significant milestone by securing NMPA approval for the first PEEK-based fusion cage in early 2024. Recognizing gaps in clinical translation platforms, Shuya returned to QUT to join the RM group, aiming to advance her research in regenerative medicine. Her current PhD research focuses on the clinical translation of 3D printed biodegradable breast scaffolds, underpinned by the prestigious ARC ITTC for M3D scholarship.
Did you miss the event? Watch this for a quick catch-up!
The CBT Lunch Club events offer our HDR students and early career researchers an opportunity to give practice talks and be inspired by other researchers. We also award outstanding achievements and share success stories. The sessions are arranged by Dr Jacqui, CBT Internal Engagement Lead. Contact us if you have questions or would like to come as a guest speaker: https://research.qut.edu.au/cbt/