Emma Betts' legacy will live on

17 May 2019
The inaugural recipient of the Emma Betts PhD Scholarship is Jordan Conway.
Jordan
“I’m the age Emma was when she passed away. It almost feels unfair, that she has to not be here for me to
JORDAN’S STORY
Jordan’s journey to his PhD wasn’t straightforward.
He always found biology fascinating, and after doing a nursing course in high school he decided that helping people was what he wanted to do. He did medical science at university aiming to continue on to medicine to become a doctor. But his curiosity got the better of him.
“During uni, I noticed that all the greatest leaps forward were because of research and I loved the idea
He applied to do an Honours project after his undergraduate degree finished. After a year of 48-hour stints in the lab and a 15,000-word thesis on cells in a
Jordan came on board at Melanoma Institute Australia in 2017 as a
“I became desperate to do more.”
When a position opened in MIA’s translational research group, Jordan jumped at the chance. He
Spending time in the unique, multidisciplinary team that is the translational research group, Jordan realised that the research at MIA was especially patient-focused
One person every five hours will die from melanoma in Australia. It is the most common cancer in young Australians aged
Over the past five years, the use of surgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have
Jordan’s research will look at mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy, specifically in melanoma patients with liver metastases. Along with other members of the translational research group, he wants to know why the liver seems to be the gatekeeper of resistance. He aims to determine if it is the site of metastasis that creates a poor systemic response, or something within the biology of the tumour that causes the melanoma to metastasise to the liver and make it resistant to therapy. He
“I want to follow in their footsteps and utilise their knowledge and the resources they have available to ensure that the patients that aren’t responding get to spend more time with their families. It’s always about the patients, and I have had the honour of meeting so many of them.”
When applying for his PhD, Jordan realised that without a scholarship, he wouldn’t be able to give all of his time to his research. No stranger to hard work, Jordan thought about getting a night or weekend job to ensure he could pay for his day-to-day expenses
During her illness, Emma was an ardent supporter of Melanoma Institute Australia. She knew research was the key to saving lives from melanoma, and she selflessly devoted her time to raising awareness and encouraging Australians to support research. She started
Jordan, who followed Emma’s blog and had long heard of Emma’s dream for a cure for melanoma, is a fitting inaugural recipient of the Emma Betts PhD Scholarship.
“I’m so grateful to receive the inaugural Emma Betts PhD Scholarship. This scholarship means
It’s fitting that Emma’s legacy is allowing a young person much like her to fulfil their dreams.
“I’m the age Emma was when she passed away. It almost feels unfair, that she has to not be here for me to
Jordan will be

A message to all Australians from melanoma patient Stuart Taylor
Stuart has advanced melanoma which is not responding to treatment. He has shared his story on ABC's 7:30 in the hope that others can escape the same fate.

Olivia Vivian nominates MIA as Charity Partner on Channel 9's Celebrity Apprentice.
A Ninja Warrior legend and Olympic gymnast, Olivia knows first hand the devastating impact of melanoma.

It's 'Game On Mole' this summer!
All Australians are urged to join the fight against melanoma this summer.

Prof Richard Scolyer named Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year
The ground-breaking work of MIA's Co-Medical Director Prof Richard Scolyer has been recognised with NSW’s highest accolade for cancer research.

Dr James Wilmott wins 2020 Wildfire Highly Cited Publication Award
A landmark study led by MIA's Dr Willmott is making a difference to melanoma treatment around the globe.

MIA researchers feature on prestigious Highly Cited Researchers 2020 List
The highly anticipated annual list is the “who’s who” of the scientific elite from across the globe.

Game On Mole is back this summer!
The uniquely Aussie awareness campaign ‘Game On Mole’ is back for its second year – with a new look but same important message.

RCPA recognition for Professor Richard Scolyer.
Professor Richard Scolyer receives The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Distinguished Fellow Award.

Professor Georgina Long hands on baton of SMR Presidency
Professor Long cites as a highlight of her 2-year Presidency, the phenomenal research output by SMR members who have continued to lead the cancer field despite the impact of COVID-19.

City2Surf 2020
Join in the fun of the virtual event, and together we can run over melanoma!

Top melanoma experts at MIA
Melanoma Institute Australia features prominently in the latest ‘Expertise in Melanoma’ world rankings, released by Expertscape.

Top melanoma experts from MIA
Melanoma Institute Australia features prominently in the latest ‘Expertise in Melanoma’ world rankings, released by Expertscape.

Melanoma Supportive Care Needs research study.
Participate in our online survey and help us understand the support needs of melanoma patients and carers.

Research reveals long-term benefit of adjuvant therapy for Stage III melanoma

New data reveals long-term benefit of adjuvant therapy for Stage III melanoma.

New online melanoma risk calculators critical to saving lives
Clinicians and their patients now have access to three online risk calculators developed by researchers at Melanoma Institute Australia.

Professor Richard Scolyer receives University of Sydney Alumni Award.
MIA's Co-Medical Director Professor Richard Scolyer has received The University of Sydney Alumni Award for International Achievement.

Uniting together despite the distance
More than 120 MIA clinicians, researchers and staff came together online to share research highlights.

Professor Richard Scolyer recognised in The Pathologist's 2020 Power List.
For the 2nd consecutive year, MIA's Co-Medical Director Professor Richard Scolyer has been selected in the top 100 best, brightest, and most powerful advocates of pathology by The Pathologist.

Important Update: Masks required at Poche Centre
As of Monday 27th July all patients and carers/family members coming into The Poche Centre will be required to bring their own mask.