Immunology Medical Scientist is one of 22 recipients from the Future Health Research Innovation Fund
Sam Neeling, Immunology Medical Scientist
06/09/2023
Congratulations to Immunology Medical Scientist Sam Neeling, who has worked at PathWest for over 7 years, and currently a recipient of the Clinician Researcher Training Program Scholarship from the Future Health Research Innovation Fund.
Before joining PathWest Immunology QEII, Sam studied Laboratory Medicine at Curtin University and later undertook his Honours degree at PathWest.
Speaking about his experience towards this significant milestone, Sam said 'I am grateful for the support of my clinical and laboratory leaders in my department. They encouraged and supported me to pursue this opportunity. As one of 22 recipients across WA Health Service Providers, I am grateful to be given the chance to advance my career by undertaking a PhD project whilst maintaining employment with PathWest and continuing my clinical experience.’
The Role of Neutrophils in Transplantation
In understanding Sam's research project, we first define neutrophils in its simplest terms.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. They make up the biggest number of all kinds of white blood cells. They kill and digest bacteria and fungi to help our body fight infections. They are also key players in wound healing and inflammation. The specific roles they play in solid organ rejection after transplantation is still not well defined as neutrophils are extremely difficult to experiment with, and transplant cohorts are notoriously heterogenous.
Sam will be conducting research and development at UWA, creating new boundaries in science advancement and innovation. He hopes to bring the findings back to PathWest and develop new protocols for diagnostic testing which will improve patient management and outcome.
Impact of his research in the field of immunology
When asked what he is most excited about the project, Sam said 'I am very excited to work with the UWA Transplantation Laboratory led by Dr Michaela Lucas. This research project gives the rare opportunity for a clinically driven project to take advantage of highly specialised technology and expertise that would not be available in a diagnostic laboratory. This is essential given the inherit difficulties of studying neutrophils and transplants.
I hope my experience in clinical immunology can provide a unique perspective to this already accomplished research team and we can answer some questions in this important but difficult field of study.’
Last Updated:
28/05/2024