Dr Ljubov Simson
Associate Professor of Biomedical Science
Associate Dean (Education)
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University of Canberra Building 3, Room D50 - [Campus Map] Phone: (02) 6201 2533 |
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Education
1999-2002 PhD in Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular Sciences, JCSMR, ANU
1989-1991 Bachelor of Applied Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Canberra
Fellowships and Awards
2005-2009: NHMRC Biomedical Research Fellowship
2006: ACT Biotech Best Pitch Award
Research and Professional Interests
As a member of the Biomedical Research team, Luby’s discipline-based research interests lie in the development and characterization of novel treatments for cancer therapy. Her research in eosinophil-mediated cancer therapies has led to her inclusion as a recognized authority to the International Allergo-oncology Society. Here current research projects in this area are focused on clarifying the role of eosinophils in tumour immune surveillance and in the development of eosinophil-mediated cancer therapies.
Her interest in validating novel natural therapeutics and phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) for cancer therapy has led to both national and international collaborations focusing on mistletoe-based extracts.
In parallel to these studies, Luby is keen to extend her work in the use of novel sulphated glycan mimetics in cell mobilization, work which resulted in an international patent.
Teaching Interests
In parallel to her role as the Associate Dean of Education, Luby is keen to foster a strong learning and teaching ethos within the Faculty. Luby has co-led the development of a new entry pathway to the Bachelor programs of the Faculty, the Diploma of Science, focused on enabling and enhancing studies in the Sciences for our diverse student cohort. Luby’s research in learning and teaching encompasses: (1) Diploma of Science: A model for effective management of a diverse student cohort into the Sciences; (2) Internationalisation of the curriculum, and more specifically, the impact of internationalisation on the Science-curricula; and (3) Embedding work-integrated as an authentic learning experience in the tertiary curricula.
Luby supervises honours and postgraduate students in projects aligned to eosinophil biology, phytotherapies and cancer immunotherapy. Her specific teaching responsibilities at undergraduate level are in physiology and disease processes (Integrated Studies of Disease).
Recent Publications
Ellyard, J.I., Simson, L., and Parish, C.R. (2010). Alternatively-activated macrophages possess anti-tumour cytotoxicity that is induced by IL-4 and medicated by arginase-1. Journal of Immunotherapy 33:443-52.
Simson, L, Ellyard, J.I. and Parish, C.R. (2009) The role of Th2-mediated anti-tumor immunity in tumor clearance. Pp. 255-276 in E. Jensen-Jarolim, M. Penichet (Eds.) Cancer and IgE: Introducing the concept of AllergoOncology. Springer: New York, pp 255-276.
Tauro, S., Su, YC., Thomas, S., Schwarze, J., Matthaei, K.I., Townsend, D., Simson, L.,Tripp, R.A., and Mahalingam, S. (2008). Molecular and cellular mechanisms in the viral exacerbation of asthma. Microbes and Infection 10:1014-23.
Simson L, Ellyard J.I, Dent L.A, Matthaei K.I, Rothenbery M.E, Foster P.S, Smyth M.J and Parish C.R. (2007). Regulation of carcinogenesis by Interleukin-5 and CCL11: a potential role for eosinophils in tumor immune surveillance. Journal of Immunology 178:4222-9.
Ellyard J.I, Simson L, and Parish C.R. (2007). Th2-mediated anti-tumor immunity: Friend or foe? Tissue Antigens 70:1-11.
Ellyard J.I, Simson L, Bezos A, Johnston K, Freeman C and Parish C.R. (2007). Eotaxin selectively binds heparin: an interaction that protects eotaxin from proteolysis and potentiates chemotactic activity in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry 282:15238-47.
Freeman C, Simson L, Parish CR and Johnston K. (PCT/AU2007/000209). Description: Methods for increasing the number of circulating cells. Applicant: Australian National University. Potential commercial partner interest with ANUCONNECT.