A 10-Week InSPIRE Journey in Melbourne
When fresh graduate Kellie joined the InSPIRE Programme at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), she was the sole student from Singapore in her cohort. Stepping into a new country without knowing anyone beforehand could have been daunting, but strong support from the programme coordinators made all the difference. Ten weeks later, she returned with expanded research skills, strong friendships, and fresh clarity for her future.
Preparations and Settling In
The transition to life in Australia felt effortless, and immense credit goes to the InSPIRE programme coordinators for their guidance. Before departure, they walked students through visa applications, provided clear housing guidance, and facilitated early introductions to host labs.
Upon landing in Melbourne, the team organized a warm orientation that helped Kellie connect with fellow international InSPIRE students and meet her host lab. Coordinators even accompanied students to the bank to sort out local finances. Thanks to their streamlined onboarding, IT setups and safety inductions were handled instantly, enabling Kellie to start lab work on her very second day.
Research in the Feltham Lab
Hosted by Dr Bekky Feltham’s lab in the Molecular Sciences Division, Kellie investigated the regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway via ubiquitin signaling.
Beyond her specific project, WEHI’s collaborative institute culture left a deep impression. Rather than labs operating in silos, teams shared physical spaces, reagents, and equipment to create a unified workspace. Frequent cross-lab consultations and mutual support turned research from an isolated pursuit into a genuine team effort.
Kellie optimized core techniques like western blots and learned new molecular methodologies. The experience also gave her a genuine look into day to day life in science. Working alongside supervisors and postdocs put in evening, weekend, or overnight hours highlighted how research schedules can be flexible, yet deeply driven by the timing of each experiment.
Beyond the Lab
Outside WEHI, Kellie fully embraced Melbourne’s culture and active lifestyle.
Cafes and Pastries: She explored the city’s famed bakery scene and local food spots.
Fitness: She tried Lagree, hot mat classes, dragon boating, and took regular 5 km walks through Princes Park.
Exploration: Weekends were filled with beach trips, city landmarks, and a quick getaway to Sydney.
Looking Ahead
Navigating the post-graduation transition can feel uncertain, but ten weeks at WEHI offered valuable clarity. The experience allowed Kellie to test her interests, refine her passion for science, and make confident decisions about her next steps.
