It all starts right here
USC graduate Dr Elke Hacker tells how she started her career in Melanoma cancer research
Dr Elke Hacker’s career in cancer research started with a Bachelor of Science at USC.
She is now a Medical Research Officer working on the genetics of Melanoma cancer at the Queensland Institute for Medical Research (QIMR) in Brisbane.
Find out how you can start at USC by searching our undergraduate courses and programs.
Elke says that USC was a great stepping-stone in the advancement of her career in science.
“I chose to study science because I enjoy trying to unravel the mysteries of nature,” says Elke. “At the time I was unsure of where my career path would lead, but as my studies progressed I found the pathway to Melanoma research.”
Elke enrolled in university straight after completing high school in Noosa.
“My school’s career counsellor recommended I study at USC because it allowed me to stay on the Sunshine Coast and continue my passions of surfing and sailing – plus be close to family and friends,” she says.
“When I decided to study honours, I stayed on at USC because I had formed great working relationships with my academic peers.”
Elke’s honours research into Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting people in developing countries, earned her first-class honours from USC and a Queensland Cancer Fund and QIMR PhD scholarship.
After three years of research into the role of UV in Melanoma development, Elke received her PhD from the University of Queensland – all before the age of 25.
Elke’s research career has taken her to prestigious institutions around the world, including Yale and Harvard in the United States and the Marie Curie Research Institute in London.
“The history of these institutions is remarkable,” says Elke. “It is exciting to collaborate with colleagues overseas regarding research techniques.”
Elke’s current work at QIMR explores why some people are more susceptible to Melanoma than others. She hopes her research will eventually lead to the development of post-sunburn applications that would suppress tumour formation.
Into the foreseeable future, Elke plans to continue working on preventative strategies to reduce skin cancer and help us better manage our lives in the Queensland sun.
“Australia has the highest rate of Melanoma in the world – by studying this disease one can make a real difference to a lot of people.”
Play USC's latest videos on YouTube, featuring interviews with graduates Dr Elke Hacker and Emily Orchard.