Bit about me
I am a PhD candidate with the Integrating Genomics into Medicine Group. During my undergraduate degree (BAdvSc) from the University of Queensland, I joined the IGM group to complete an Honours project developing genomics education resources for Human Research Ethics Committees. I commenced my PhD in 2024, where my research focuses on translating Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) for age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma into optical healthcare practice. I am passionate about facilitating genomics education and accessibility and translating genomics research into clinical care.
Leadership
2023-current Disability Lead for Frazer Institute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Awards and Recognition
2024-2028 Elevate Postgraduate Research Scholarship
2023 Human Genetics Society of Australasia Queensland Branch Travel Scholarship ($600 to attend HGSA Annual General Meeting)
2023 Frazer Institute Honours Scholarship ($3000)
Selected Publications
For a full list of publications, see https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4671-4900
McGahan, E., Berkman, J., Milne, D. et al. Empowering human research ethics committees to review genomics applications: evaluating the utility of a custom online education resource. Eur J Hum Genet (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01846-5
Utility of genomic testing in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer
Debortoli, Emily, McGahan, Ella, Yanes, Tatiane, Berkman, Jennifer, Fuentes-Bolanos, Noemi, Milch, Vivienne, Steinberg, Julia and Mcinerney-Leo, Aideen (2024). JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djae233