Lia Chalmers working in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology Kemp lab.
New Zealanders could potentially have myeloma diagnosed via a simple blood test for the first time, thanks to research being undertaken in Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Multiple myeloma is normally diagnosed through multiple separate tests, performed on bone marrow samples.
Working in Roslyn Kemp’s lab School of Biomedical Sciences Honours student Lia Chalmers is looking at ways of adjusting a technique called "Immuno-FlowFISH," which combines all these different tests into one single diagnostic procedure using blood samples.
Because New Zealand doesn’t have the imaging machine needed for this procedure, Lia’s research is exploring how to perform use this technique on blood samples in New Zealand so that samples can be more efficiently be sent to Australia for the imaging part of the process.
“Then, if we're successful, we will look at developing further, ultimately paving the way for us to do the test without the required imaging machine, so the improved diagnostic technique can be accessed by more patients,” Lia says.
“This will both streamline the diagnosis of myeloma and also reduce the need for invasive and costly bone marrow biopsies.”
Lia completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, majoring in Drugs and Human Health, last year before undertaking the honours degree in immunology.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology student Lia Chalmers taking time out to enjoy the New Zealand wilderness.
She has been interested in science since she was little, but what really drove her to pursue a degree in health sciences was being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (a blood cancer) when she was 15.
“I was so fascinated by the complexity of medicine and so inspired by my healthcare team that I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of in the future.”
She is hoping that being part of a research effort might ultimately lead to advances in biomedical science.
“I'm very excited to now be working with a lot of talented researchers to make discoveries and help people in the way my fifteen-year-old self always hoped!”
Lia was one of two recipients to be awarded the Health Sciences - Premier Undergraduate Prize, established by Otago’s University Council, at the end of 2024 during her third year.
The prize was in addition to her winning the best second year and then third year prize in Pharmacology.
Ivan Summut, Head of Pharmacology and Toxicology, says Lia’s nomination for the Health Science Distinguished Premier Undergraduate Prize, selected from a pool of many accomplished and diligent students, reflects her outstanding academic performance across a range of courses in her BBiomedSc Drugs and Human Health studies.
“On behalf of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, I took great pleasure in seeing Lia receive this prestigious recognition from the University in her chosen field. And I am confident that she will continue to evolve into an exceptional and talented researcher."
Lia says she really loves the interdisciplinary nature of School of Biomedical Sciences study.
“Unlike many other degrees with a very specific set of required papers, the Biomed degree allows some flexibility with paper choice within your chosen major. Because of this, it allowed me to pursue multiple related areas of study, which has left me feeling very well-rounded in the field of health sciences.”
Lia grew up in the small rural community of Te Puna near Tauranga and, during her chemotherapy cancer treatment, was inspired by many competing at the Maadi Cup in Cambridge with the Tauranga Girls College rowing team.
She now plays hockey, is an avid tramper and climber, and says she generally loves doing anything outdoors.
Kōrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, School of Biomedical Sciences