Jessica Da Gama Duarte

Dr. Jessica Da Gama Duarte is a Senior Research Fellow and Laboratory Head at Monash University's School of Translational Medicine, Australia. She holds honorary positions at La Trobe University and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI). She earned her PhD in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Cape Town (2015) and has held postdoctoral roles at ONJCRI, focusing on translational cancer immunology. Her research emphasizes early cancer detection, immunotherapy efficacy, and the role of B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures in anti-tumor immunity.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town (2011–2015)

Research Interests:

• Early detection of cancer onset/recurrence
• Prediction of immunotherapy benefits/toxicity
• B cell biology and antibody production
• Tertiary lymphoid structures in anti-tumour immunity

Her work bridges clinical and translational research, with a focus on proteomic tools like protein microarrays and multispectral immunohistochemistry.

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised 3 Honours, 1 Masters, and 1 PhD student to completion
• Currently supervises 3 PhD students and mentors 2 additional researchers
• Primary Chief Investigator in projects like the Early detection of localized breast cancers (MRV-funded) and A novel pan-cancer liquid biopsy

Labs/Teams: Leads a lab at Monash University investigating tumor immunology and diagnostic tools.

Service & Engagement:

• Co-founder and Chair of the ONJCRI Postdoctoral Committee (2017–2024)
• Member of equity-focused committees like CSGEHM and VCCC’s International Women’s Day initiatives
• Active in community outreach via MRV and fundraising events (e.g., Tour de Cure)