Minesh Lalla

I love waking up each morning knowing that one day what we achieved as a humble start-up company will ultimately be used to better patient outcomes and improve cancer treatments.

My interest in science resurrected when I was in primary school after first learning about a genetic condition that had affected both of my parents, and hampered their ability to have children. The loss of a close friend to leukaemia during my adolescence sparked an interest in cancer.

Originally from South Africa, I travelled to Australia in 2008 to further my education and enter a job market which provided a pathway into clinical translation. I chose RMIT because of its reputation in combining theory with practical experience.

At RMIT I met a diverse range of international and local students which allowed me to grow a rich network of friends and professional colleagues.

I’m currently employed by Sienna Cancer Diagnostics Ltd as a Program Manager and Senior Research Scientist. I joined Sienna in 2009 during its early stages of research and development (R&D and since then, we have developed a novel diagnostic cancer test which was released in the US market in January 2015.

I’m responsible for the management and execution of key projects including R&D, manufacturing of our novel diagnostic product, product development and technology transfer to both scientific and commercial partners in Australia, and the USA.

I love waking up each morning and spending the day working with an enthusiastic and motivated team, as well as knowing that one day what we achieved as a humble start-up company will ultimately be used to better patient outcomes and improve cancer treatments.