Where you're from, your role and place of work  

Director of the Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at QUT in Brisbane, Australia. 

What are you passionate about and why?   

Identification of the genes that are involved in chronic health disorders and more importantly the subsequent use of this genetic information to develop better diagnostics and treatments that make a difference to the health of the communities we work with. 

You are scheduled to present on "Norfolk Island and SE Qld Environmental and Genomic Pasifika Studies" - what is this about and why is it important for our Pacific communities?  

This research is focussed on undertaking genomics studies in underrepresented communities like the Norfolk and Pasifika populations in Australia. The research is aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of long-term health conditions in ways that work for Pasifika people.  

Words of advice/inspiration for people who are looking to pursue a similar career to you?  

There is a real need for more scientists and clinicians, particularly those of Pasifika ancestry, to be involved in research including genomics research,  that makes a difference to the health of their communities. 

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The PMA Conference will be hosted in Auckland from 5-7 August. For more information and to register, visit the website here.