Standing with giants: Tahnee’s biomedicine studies & cultural connection

Tahnee’s interest in science began at a very young age. Learning in the labs in her first year of the Bachelor of Biomedicine, Tahnee knew she’d made the right choice for her career. 

With the team at Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, Tahnee found connection, inspiration and cultural safety, and she received the Moondani Balluk Aboriginal Student Award in recognition of her contribution to First Nations experiences at VU. 

Now in her final year, Tahnee is looking forward to working in the field of cancer research.

“I’ve had curiosity for science since I was about four years old.

“I remember my Dad bringing home old medical books from the op shop. Some of them pre-dated colour photography, with illustrations of small-pox and polio as illnesses of concern!

“I find solace in science: while we know not of why we are here, it’s knowing how we are here.”

Starting university as a mature-aged student

“I’ve entered university at a later stage in life. The Block Model gave me the flexibility I needed; it better accommodates family and work schedules.

“I loved that the first year was primarily hands-on in the anatomy labs, it really ignited my interest and confirmed my course choice.”

Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit

"Moondani Balluk has been an amazing resource and culturally safe space. It’s a place where connection with other strong, deadly mob is possible. It's a place where visionary leaders have shaped historic change. It’s incredibly inspiring to stand among these giants.

“I received the Moondani Balluk Aboriginal Student Award as acknowledgement of my active engagement within the University and First Nations spaces. I worked on initiatives to shape the First Nations experiences at VU, and in 2023 I represented the University at the Indigenous Nationals uni games and will be part of this year’s team as well.”

Learning from leaders in science

“I had the privilege to complete five internships in the Brain Cancer Research Lab at WEHI, a medical science research company. My role involves working on specific components of a larger project, where we aim to develop a murine model of brain cancer. 

“It's exciting to contribute to the ongoing efforts in understanding and combating this devastating disease. My colleagues, and particularly my supervisors Professor Sarah Best, Professor Shannon Oliver and Dr Jurgen Kriel are incredible scientists. It’s such a gift to learn from them as academic mentors and role models.

“After graduating, I will complete my honours with WEHI and hope to work in the brain cancer research space for years to come.”

Marcus Brooke, Tahnee Towers and Karen Jackson at the 2023 Student Leadership Awards.