Lauren Watt

Dr. Lauren Watt is a part-time Postdoctoral Researcher and Casual Academic at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. She completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, Honours (with a University Medal), and PhD at the University of Newcastle, focusing on the role of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in breast cancer and mast cell biology. Her PhD, supported by a Cancer Institute of NSW Research Scholars Award, explored PP2A's role in breast cancer using 3D cell culture models. After a hiatus for family life, she returned to research in 2021, contributing to data analysis, literature reviews, and administrative support in Associate Professor Nikki Verrills' laboratory. She aims to enhance her skills in bioinformatics and graphical data analysis to support the lab's research.

Education:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle

Research Interests: Dr. Watt's work centers on understanding PP2A's role in cancer progression, particularly in breast cancer. Her research employs advanced techniques like 3D cell culture and bioinformatics to investigate signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. She has contributed to identifying PP2A as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for aggressive breast cancers.

Grants & Awards:

• Cancer Institute of NSW Research Scholars Award (2007–2009)
• Contributed to NHMRC Ideas Grants focused on PP2A's role in cancer and leukemia.

Advising & Collaboration: Dr. Watt collaborates with the Verrills laboratory on projects like Multiomic Characterisation of Cellular Signalling Regulated by PP2A-B55a in Breast Cancer and Development, emphasizing teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches. She balances family life with research, leveraging her expertise in data analysis to advance the lab's goals.

Labs & Teams: Dr. Watt is affiliated with the Verrills Laboratory, where she supports projects investigating PP2A's role in oncogenic signaling and therapeutic strategies.