I am a final year PhD candidate in the Beavis lab at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. My research focuses on developing next-generation armoured CAR T cells with improved efficacy and safety using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. I am especially passionate about synthetic biology and cancer immunology, and how we can engineer immune cells to better fight solid tumours. I am also a huge foodie and love exploring Melbourne’s vibrant brunch scene. In my downtime, you will probably find me trying new cafes or on the hunt for the best croissant in town!
My name is Kah Min Yap, and I am a final year PhD candidate at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, working under the supervision of Prof. Paul Beavis, Prof. Phillip Darcy, and Dr. Imran House.
Where did you do your training?
I completed a MSc in Drug Discovery and Development at University College London, UK, following a BSc in Pharmacology at The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My PhD research explores a novel CRISPR knock-in strategy to harness endogenous gene regulation for precise control of cytokine expression in CAR T cells. Specifically, I am engineering CAR T cells to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-12 and IL-2 in a strictly tumour-localised manner. This approach has led to enhanced anti-tumour efficacy in the absence of toxicities in murine models of solid tumours.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
This is my first year being part of ICIS, and I am incredibly honoured to receive the 2025 ICIS-Pfizer Junior Investigator Award. Being given the opportunity to present my work at the annual meeting in Seattle is such a privilege, and I am really looking forward to learning from and connecting with peers in the cytokine research community.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Cytokines 2025 will be my very first meeting – so while I have not had the chance to form collaborations just yet, I am really excited to meet new colleagues and explore potential opportunities for future collaborations. I am looking forward to creating some great memories in Seattle this November!
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
I am a huge foodie and love exploring Melbourne’s vibrant brunch scene. In my downtime, you will probably find me trying new cafes or on the hunt for the best croissant in town! If anyone is visiting Melbourne and needs food recommendations, I have got you covered.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
“Nothing will work unless you do.” Research can be tough and full of setbacks, but progress comes from persistence and taking action. Being proactive, staying curious, and embracing the process has really shaped my journey in science thus far.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I have been following The Good Doctor for a while now, and I am currently watching its final season. I have always enjoyed medical dramas, and this one in particular helped spark my early interest in biomedical science.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Tough question – but at the moment, I would say IL-12. It has played a key role in improving the anti-tumour efficacy of our CAR T cells. But ask me again in a few months – I might have a new favourite by then!
Follow Kah Min on Twitter/X: @kahmin98