Caitlin earned their undergraduate degree in Medical Science, with a focus on Immunology and Medical Microbiology, from the University of New South Wales. Following this, they completed an Honours degree in Environmental Microbiology, also at University of New South Wales.
Driven by a passion for understanding the complex interplay between microorganisms and their environments, she pursued a PhD in Microbial Ecology at the University of Newcastle.
During their academic journey, Caitlin received extensive bioinformatic training from internationally renowned programs such as EMBL (European Molecular Biology Laboratory) and EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization). This advanced training has equipped them with a robust skill set in bioinformatics, enabling them to approach biological questions with a comprehensive and data-driven perspective.
Currently, Caitlin leverages their expertise in bioinformatics and environmental science to investigate the environmental drivers of childhood malignancies using epigenetic approaches.
Their research is particularly focused on understanding the mechanisms behind childhood brain tumors and leukemia. By exploring the epigenetic changes influenced by environmental factors, Caitlin aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to the development of more targeted and effective therapies for these devastating diseases.