Sally Stephenson

Sally Stephenson is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology in the Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, where she leads research focused on cancer biology and receptor tyrosine kinases. Her work bridges basic science with translational applications in oncology, particularly in prostate and breast cancers.

Dr. Stephenson earned her PhD and B.Sc (Hons) from the University of Queensland. Her educational background provided the foundation for her current research program investigating molecular mechanisms in cancer progression.

Her primary research interests center on the EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase and its role in epithelial cancers. Dr. Stephenson's laboratory investigates how EphB4 contributes to tumor development through promoting angiogenesis, increasing cancer cell survival, and facilitating invasion and migration. A major focus of her work involves developing monoclonal antibody strategies to target EphB4 in breast and prostate cancers, with the goal of translating these findings into clinical applications. Her research spans molecular biology, cell signaling, post-translational modifications, and targeted cancer therapies.

Dr. Stephenson's research portfolio demonstrates consistent productivity with publications spanning cancer biology, molecular mechanisms, and translational applications. Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental molecular studies toward therapeutic applications, with increasing focus on antibody-based cancer treatments and understanding the complex signaling networks in epithelial cancers.

• Winner of the Gold Medal at an international medical research technology pitching competition (2025)
• Winner of QUT Excolo! Pitching competition with $100,000 prize (2023)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019)
• Vice-Chancellor's Award – "The Extra Mile" (2016)
• Vice-Chancellor's Performance Award for Student Supervision (2016)
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (finalist) (2014)
• Vice Chancellor's Performance Award, Teaching (2010)
• Woman of Distinction in Medical Research Award (2006)

Dr. Stephenson has successfully supervised numerous doctoral and master's students through their research degrees, with projects focusing on post-translational modifications of proteins in cancer. Her supervision portfolio includes projects on SUMOylation, UFMylation, and other protein modifications in prostate and breast cancer models. She has received multiple awards recognizing her excellence in student supervision, including the Vice-Chancellor's Performance Award for Student Supervision in 2016.

While specific lab details aren't provided in the available information, Dr. Stephenson's research program appears to operate within the School of Biomedical Sciences at QUT, likely with laboratory facilities supporting molecular and cellular cancer research. Her collaborative approach is evident from her extensive publication record with multiple co-authors across different institutions.