Meet Laura Mackay, Ph.D., Professor at The University of Melbourne and Immunology Theme Lead at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. She completed her Ph.D. in 2009 under the supervision of Professor Alan Rickinson at The University of Birmingham (UK), and postdoctoral training (2009-2015) with Professor Francis Carbone at The University of Melbourne.
Briefly, what is your research about?
T-cell immunity, memory, and recall responses. We are especially interested in T-cell differentiation into memory cells and what enables memory T cells to develop and function within different tissues of the body. We initially focused on studying T cell differentiation in response to viral infection in the skin, but over the years our scope has broadened to encompass T cell immunity across contexts such as autoimmunity, immunotherapy and cancer.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
I’ve been lucky to get to know so many amazing immunologists through ICIS and related meetings. Connecting, collaborating, and sharing data and ideas with this community has not only advanced my career but also made it a lot of fun!
Which Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites?
Hawaii (2022). Catching up with so many friends and colleagues after the pandemic in such a beautiful location was such a treat.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Mark Travis, University of Manchester, we bonded over TGFβ and now collaborate. I’ve also been thrilled to recognize the deadpan brilliance of ex-ICIS President Chris Hunter, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Pilates, dance, anything that gets me out of my head. And dealing with an absurd number of plants. In recent years I’ve essentially transitioned from managing mice to plant colonies.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
To not be a wallflower (Alan Rickinson c.2005 “you’ll never make it in science if you continue to be a wallflower”). I still think about it. I used to be quiet and reserved (a typical British trait!), but each time I’ve spoken up and stepped out of my comfort zone, I’ve been glad I did. It has undoubtedly benefited my career.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Korean drama, always. I need subtitles to keep me off my phone and an intense level of drama to stay interested.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Too easy, TGFβ. Every time we find a new facet of tissue T cell biology it’s always in the mix!
