From Student to Scientist – Dr Jessica Manneken’s Journey at ARMI

When Dr Jessica Manneken first stepped into the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) as an undergraduate student in November 2017, she couldn’t have known she was beginning a seven-year journey that would shape her scientific career. What started as a summer scholarship programme has now culminated in a PhD and a position as a postdoctoral researcher.

“I was given the opportunity to do a summer scholarship programme where I shadowed a researcher and learned how research into disease modelling worked,” Jessica said. “It was really about getting a feel for what conducting scientific research in a lab was like.”

Jessica’s fascination with regenerative medicine led her to stay on at ARMI through her Honours degree and subsequent PhD studies. During this time, her research focus evolved from a focus on muscle disease to exploring the complex relationship between the immune response and tissue regeneration with ARMI’s Currie Group.

One of the aspects of ARMI that Jessica found most compelling was the Institute’s commitment to public engagement. A particular highlight was the ‘Open the Vault’ events, which invited the public behind the scenes of the research facility.

“It was truly an amazing experience to share with others who might not ordinarily get the experience to do so,” she said. “These events provided an amazing platform to communicate our research to the public in a way that hopefully demystifies it.”

The Institute’s scientific environment has also left a lasting impression. Over the years, Jessica has had the opportunity to meet with inspiring scientific leaders and participate in numerous team events that she describes as “a staple of the institute.”

Now, as a postdoctoral researcher at ARMI, Jessica is working to complete several projects before her next career move. When asked about advice for prospective students considering ARMI, she emphasised the Institute’s interdisciplinary nature.

“No matter what your background is, as long as you have an interest in how things grow, heal and repair – and an interest in figuring out how to do that more efficiently – there will be something of interest here for you!” she says.

Jessica’s journey from summer scholar to postdoctoral researcher exemplifies ARMI’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent and fostering the next generation of regenerative medicine researchers. Her story highlights how some initial curiosity, combined with the right environment and opportunities, can evolve into a promising scientific career.

Congratulations to Jessica on her recent PhD graduation!