The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) is proud to welcome Dr Teresa Sadras as the new Head of the Leukaemia Biology and Functional Genomics Laboratory.
With expertise in leukaemia biology, functional genomics, and precision medicine, Dr Sadras is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms that drive blood cancers and developing more effective, targeted treatments that improve patient outcomes.
Decoding the Complexities of Leukaemia
Dr Sadras’ research focuses on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) and other blood cancers, particularly the role of kinase and cytokine signalling pathways in disease progression, therapy resistance, and relapse.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies – including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, next-generation sequencing, and specialised preclinical models – her team seeks to identify leukaemia-specific vulnerabilities that could be targeted for treatment.
“Our goal is to develop highly precise models that mirror the complexities of patient tumours,” says Dr Sadras. “By understanding how leukaemia cells evade treatment, we can design new therapeutic strategies that improve long-term outcomes.”
A Passion for Translational Research and Collaboration
Dr Sadras was drawn to ONJCRI’s world-class expertise in CRISPR and genome engineering, strong translational research focus, and commitment to advancing immunotherapies. However, it was the collaborative and supporting research culture that solidified her decision to join the institute.
“ONJCRI has an incredible ecosystem of researchers working together to solve complex cancer challenges,” she shares. “I’m eager to integrate my team into this dynamic and highly collaborative environment, where discoveries are rapidly translated into clinical applications.”
A Career Fuelled by Curiosity and Compassion
For Dr Sadras, the journey into cancer research was shaped by both scientific curiosity and a deep sense of purpose. Inspired by her father, also a scientist, she developed a passion for genetics and cellular biology early on.
A pivotal moment came during her undergraduate research placement in Richard D’Andrea’s Leukaemia group at the Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.
“I was fascinated by how cancer cells hijack normal cellular processes to become malignant, but what truly shaped my career was witnessing young patients battle this disease. That experience gave me a profound appreciation of the urgent need for better treatments and cemented my commitment to leukaemia research.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
Beyond her research, Dr Sadras is a passionate mentor and advocate for young scientists. She offers three key pieces of advice:
- Follow your passion. Choose a research question that excites you – it will fuel your curiosity and perseverance.
- Build strong relationships. Science is a team effort, and meaningful collaborations are essential for impactful discoveries.
- Embrace your unique journey. There is no single path to success – stay true to your goals and aspirations.
Looking Ahead
With Dr Sadras leading the Leukaemia Biology and Functional Genomics Laboratory, ONJCRI strengthens its commitment to pioneering blood cancer research. Her expertise, coupled with ONJCRI’s state-of-the-art technologies, is set to drive discoveries that make a real-world impact on patient care.
We look forward to the groundbreaking advancements Dr Sadras and her team will bring to shape the future of leukaemia research and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Stay connected with ONJCRI for the latest updates on our research breakthroughs.