Mel is an Honorary Professor in the School of Medical and Health Sciences having worked at ECU for many years. Her areas of expertise include Melanoma and Huntington's disease.
Background
- 2020-present: Honorary Professor, School of Medical and Health Sciences, ECU
- 2013-2020: Professor, School of Medical and Health Sciences, ECU
- 2011-2013: Associate Professor, School of Medical Sciences, ECU
- 2005-2010: Associate Professor, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science, ECU
- 2003-2005: Senior Lecturer, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science, ECU
- 2001-2003: Lecturer, School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science, ECU
- 1996-2001: Senior Research Fellowship, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UWA
Professional Associations
- Society for Melanoma Research, USA
- ANZMTG
- Australian Neuroscience Society,
- Human Genetics Society of Australia,
- Australian Society for Medical Research
- Australian and New Zealand Society of Development and Cell Biology
- Combined Biological Society
- International Society of Differentiation (ISD)
Awards and Recognition
University and National Teaching Awards
- 2012:UniJobs Lecturer of the Year Award for the Top 10 Lecturers at ECU in 2011
- 2012:ECU award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision
- 2011:VC Excellence Award for Engagement in Research
- 2010: VC Citation for excellence in development of a Teaching and Research Nexus
- 2010: Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning – Australian Learning and Teaching
- 2008: VC Citation for excellence in development of a Teaching and Research Nexus
- 2008: Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning – Australian Learning and Teaching Council (Carrick)
- 2008: ECU Certificate of excellence in Learning and Teaching – UTEI over 85
- 2005: ECU award for Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision
Other
- 2010 - 2016: NHMRC grant review panel member
- 2009-2015: National OLT grant review panel member
- 2015: WAHTN Committee Member
- 2014:Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health - Skin cancer in Australia
- 2013:ASPIRE Professional Development Award, Perth Convention Bureau
- 2012- NHMRC Research Translation Faculty Member
Research Areas and Interests
- The role of developmental genes in the proliferation, differentiation and migration of cells in the embryo and in disease processes such as cancer including Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma and neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington’s disease.
- Characterisation of circulating cells in Melanoma
- Multidisciplinary therapy and neurogenesis in Huntington’s disease.