IMNIS Mentee Rachel Laattoe
Rachel is a postgraduate student at Flinders University specialising in genetics and molecular biology. Her current skills and understanding of human molecular genetics and diagnostic techniques were obtained through previous roles in research and clinical laboratories and undergraduate degrees in biological and psychological sciences. This experience prompted her current PhD research into genomic markers of inflammation, neuroinflammation and related biological pathways in depression. She is interested in investigating novel and established methods for modelling complex biological systems and pathways, including multi-omics approaches, that may provide further insight into genetic and environmental risk factors for depression and other related psychiatric disorders. She is also currently involved laboratory/biobank management as part of an ongoing collaboration with Flinders Fertility, investigating the effects of genetic and pre-conception environmental factors on fertility-related outcomes. This has provided her with a rare opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge in a leading fertility clinic and research laboratory under highly skilled embryologists and research scientists.