Dan Hesselson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dan leads the Biomedical AI Centre at the Centenary Institute and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. He completed his graduate training in genetics at the University of Wisconsin - Madison studying cell migration in C. elegans with Judith Kimble. He became interested in tissue regeneration during his postdoctoral fellowship at UCSF with Didier Stainier. 

The Hesselson lab applies recent advances in ML/AI and cutting-edge experimental approaches to produce proteins with capabilities that are often "new-to-nature". We are passionate about training the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral career stages.

Alex Cole, PhD

Senior Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer Immunotherapies Group Leader

Alex Cole earned his PhD from the University of Sydney investigating ovarian cancer epigenetics. He furthered his research on ovarian cancer during postdocs at the University of Michigan/Pittsburgh, where he explored the impact of quiescence on cancer stem cells.

In 2020, Alex joined the Directed Evolution Lab where he developed the viral directed evolution platform PROTEUS (Protein Evolution Using Selection). Alex’s current research involves creating smarter cancer treatments using synthetic biology and directed evolution.

Lise Hunault, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Lise earned her PhD through a joint program between Sorbonne University and the Pasteur Institute, focusing on monoclonal antibodies targeting Clostridioides difficile. Her interest in synthetic biology began at ESPCI Paris and Mines ParisTech and grew through hands-on experience in microfluidics at Harvard SEAS. She was part of the award-winning Pasteur Paris iGEM team that designed a biosilica-based diagnostic for arboviral diseases.

Lise’s current research involves engineering therapeutic proteins for metabolic diseases such as Type 1 diabetes using mammalian directed evolution platforms. Her expertise includes antibody engineering, CRISPR-Cas9, and cell-based assay development. Outside the lab, she is a dedicated mentor and science communicator, committed to translating discoveries into impactful therapies.

Manuela Flórido, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Manuela completed her PhD in Immunology at the University of Porto, Portugal. She came to Australia for her postdoc and has been involved in research projects spanning immunology, vaccine development, and protein biochemistry.

Eager to expand scientific knowledge and embark on new challenges and technologies, she joined the Hesselson lab in 2023 where she is currently evolving therapeutic transcription factors for cardiac regeneration. 

Nishanthi Mathiyalagan, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Nishanthi completed her PhD in developmental genetics at La Trobe University, Melbourne where she investigated the genetic pathways underlying epithelial birth defects and identified compounds that prevent deformities such as cleft palate and spina bifida, using zebrafish as a research model. Following her PhD, Nishanthi worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School in Boston, where she studied the mechanisms underlying genetic neuromuscular diseases.

In 2024, she joined the Hesselson Lab in collaboration with the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. Here, she explores the potential of phytocannabinoids as innovative treatments for Dravet syndrome, a severe pediatric epilepsy caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene. Through cutting-edge genetic research and pharmacological approaches, she strives to identify cannabinoid-based therapies that could offer life-changing solutions for affected children and their families. Beyond the lab, Nishanthi enjoys travelling and photography, blending scientific curiosity with a deep appreciation for exploration and creativity.

Jack Horton

PhD Student

Jack is a PhD candidate jointly supervised by the Hesselson and Jackson Labs. His research focuses on integrating computational techniques such as machine learning with directed evolution to create a novel platform for protein engineering. He recently completed his Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours at the Australian National University, with a focus on investigating native secretion systems in lab strain E. coli for streamlined recombinant protein production. Prior to starting his PhD, Jack worked in the biotech industry, where he developed a passion for applying synthetic biology to solve real-world problems.

Matt Riley

Research Assistant

Matt graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), majoring in Applied Medical Science and Chemistry. He completed his Honours year within the Hesselson Lab, earning First Class Honours exploring targeted protein degradation using nanobody-degron systems. A keen runner and lifelong rugby fan, Matt understands the value of discipline and teamwork to both the lab and the field. He is passionate about translational research and plans to pursue a career in medicine, where he hopes to combine clinical work with biomedical innovation.

Danny Wang

Honours Student

Danny graduated from the University of Sydney with a major in Chemistry and Human Anatomy. He joined the Hesselson Lab for his Honours year, where he is currently investigating the role of mutant p53 in cancer biology and developing skills in molecular cloning and cell-based assays. Danny aspires to enter medical school and pursue a career as a clinician-scientist, bridging research and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. He is particularly interested in translational oncology and personalised medicine. Outside the lab, Danny tutors high school students in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

Larry Yu

Dalyell Student

Larry is an undergraduate student at the University of Sydney. He is in the Dalyell Scholars Stream studying Bachelor of Sciences and Advanced studies with majors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry. He joined the Hesselson Lab through the Science Dalyell Individual Research Project, working on the evaluation and optimisation of life-extending factors. He is passionate about extending human life through scientific research, focusing on biochemical and molecular strategies that promote long-term vitality.

Amie Vongvises

Dalyell Student and iGEM

Amie is an undergraduate student in Dalyell Scholars Stream studying bachelor of Medical Science and Genetics/Genomics. She joined the Hesselson Lab for her Dalyell unit on the topic of Directed evolution of transcription factors in mammalian cells. She is very passionate for medical science research, biotechnology, and health innovation, driven by a long-term goal of founding a health focused startup. She is working on a synbio pre-accelerator project for the iGEM Startups competition. 

Yagiz Alp Aksoy, MD PhD JP

Visiting Clinician-Scientist

Yagiz is a medical doctor and translational scientist whose work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, clinical oncology, and gene therapy. He holds an MD from the University of Sydney and completed his PhD in genome editing and synthetic biology in the Hesselson lab. Yagiz currently practices as a Resident Medical Officer at Royal North Shore Hospital and recently joined the Biomedical AI Centre as a clinical researcher. He leads the development of AI systems that clarify prognosis and guide treatment choices in early and rare cancers, including for malignant colorectal polyps and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Yagiz has developed advanced predictive AI tools that bring clarity to complex survival decisions in cancer care.

Yagiz is also the founder of EosGene Therapeutics, a biotech startup pioneering light-activated liposomal delivery systems (“NanoSyringe”) for non-viral gene therapy, and has established strong funding traction through competitive grant programs. Yagiz collaborates with the Hesselson Lab on translational validation of prognostic models, decision support tool deployment, and AI ethics. 

You

Undergraduate, Honours, and PhD students

Opportunities available for students at all levels!
Please reach out to me (d.hesselson@centenary.org.au) and we can discuss projects that align with your research interests.