
Lana completed a Bachelors of Advanced Science (Honours) degree at UNSW Sydney, majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. In 2017, she continued on to complete her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics in the Crossley Lab at UNSW Sydney under the supervision of A/Prof. Kate Quinlan and Prof. Merlin Crossley. After submitting her PhD in May 2021, Lana continued on as a postdoctoral research associate until the end of the year. Her research involved investigating the DNA binding mechanisms of the transcription factor ZBTB7A/LRF as a therapeutic to treat red blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and beta-thalassemia.
Lana has been actively involved in sessional undergraduate teaching as a demonstrator/tutor in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) since the commencement of her PhD. In 2022, Lana transitioned to a full-time, education-focussed Associate Lecturer position in the School of BABS.
2022:
BABS Titans of Teaching Award for Runner-Up Best Lecturer in a Large Course (T2 2022) (determined by myExperience student survey data)
BABS Titans of Teaching Award for Best Lecturer in a Small Course (T1 2022) (determined by myExperience student survey data)
BABS Titans of Teaching Award for Runner-Up Best Small Course (T1 2022) (determined by myExperience student survey data)
BABS Titans of Teaching Award for Best Lecturer in a Large Course (T3 2021) (determined by myExperience student survey data)
2021: Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
2021: UNSW Award for Teaching for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (sessional category)
2021: UNSW Scientia Education Academy Exemplary Teaching Practice Award in the category 'Challenging and Supporting Students to Engage in Active Learning'
2020: Dean of Science Staff Excellence Award (for excellence in education)
2019: UNSW Arc Postgraduate Council Outstanding Research Student Award
2018: Second-place prize winner in the UNSW Science Postgraduate Research competition