Young Achiever in Vocational Excellence - Winner 2012
Ms Prue Plummer - Age 25, PHD Cancer Researcher
Nominated by Dr Alan Munn,
Prue completed high school at Robina High where she was the president of the Leo Club, which is a Lions Club youth group.
She studied for a science degree at Griffith University and then obtained an honours degree.
Prue was chosen to do a PHD under Professor Albert Mellick on research in the cause of cancer. Her studies focused on how cancers grow and spread to other parts of the body and how to restrict the growth of blood vessels that nourish the growth of tumours. Prue has identified the DNA markers of the EPC cells in blood vessels. This discovery allows for research into methods to restrict their growth. This may be a major breakthrough.
Prue published her research in markers in the DNA of blood vessels in a well-known and well-regarded cancer journal called "Cancer research" This was well read electronically by cancer researchers worldwide and had a rating impact of 8.5. This is regarded by that industry as mark of a very successful and interesting paper.
Her second finding on the genes in EPA is under review by the same journal.
Prue is currently doing her thesis on her discoveries and hopes to have it published in August.
Upon its completion Prue hopes to do a Post Doctoral in simular cancer research.
Having seen Prue in her work place and seeing the respect given to her by her masters and peers one can expect that in the future we will hear a lot more about her achievements.
Not only is Prue a great achiever in her field but also she is a lovely person with an unpretentious and thoughtful personality.