Chhiv Im

My role as a technical support is to the day-to-day operations of the Lymphatic Development Laboratory within the Centre of Cancer Biology.
Research within the Lymphatic Development Laboratory seeks to understand how the lymphatic vessels are built during development, and how this process goes wrong in human disease states. This laboratory investigates mouse and human genetics, in addition to cell, molecular, and developmental biology, to define the genes and signaling pathways that underpin lymphatic development and function in health and disease. My main role in the team focuses more on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of human lymphatic diseases. The aim is that, by understanding these processes, we will be able to develop more effective treatments for patients affected by lymphatic vascular disease.

My roles in the laboratory:

• Assist with day-to-day operations of the Lymphatic Development Laboratory under the guidance and direction of the laboratory head, Professor Natasha Harvey.
• Help to prepare solutions, including media and buffers.

• Extract DNA from tissue samples, and perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to genotype mice.
• Contribute to the generation of gene expression constructs using recombinant DNA technology.
• Contribute to experiments, including the assessment of protein-protein interactions, to investigate transcriptional components important for lymphatic vascular development.
• Maintain and passage cultured cells.
• Assess the requirements for laboratory consumables, reagents, equipment, or other appropriate resources needed to conduct the studies.
• Assist with submissions for labware and instruments for steam and hot air sterilising.
• Assist with re-stocking cupboards with laboratory wares.
• Assist with the safe disposal of all biohazard, chemical, and microbiological materials by following established procedures based on Australian Safety Standards and policies developed within the CCB and the University.
• Comply with all relevant animal ethics, privacy, and other appropriate guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of research proposals and research findings.

• Performed and interpreted routine laboratory tests, including haematology, chemistry, and blood transfusion.
• Operated and maintained laboratory equipment to ensure accurate results.
• Analyzed test results and documented findings in electronic health records.
• Collaborated with healthcare staff to discuss patient testing needs and procedures.
• Adhered to safety protocols and quality control standards in the laboratory.
• Evaluated patient specimens for diagnosis or treatment purposes by performing microscopic examinations and other tests as needed.