Tell us a little bit about yourself and your achievements to date

Originally from China, I have been studying as Ph.D of Cancer Epidemiology from Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne. With 12 years of experience in the medical/public health and pharmaceutical companies, Lin worked as Senior Physician in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Scientist in Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre/PeterMac Cancer Hospital, and Senior Medical Advisor supported the entry of Australian cancer diagnostic product into the Chinese market.

Lin was a Senior Manager/Senior Research Scientist in Eli Lilly and Company responsible for the establishment and implementation of the post-marketing clinical strategy, real-world evidence generation and health economics to support the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) Scheme.

Lin also served as supervisor of PhDs in the Artificial Intelligence Research Group of Monash University, and a visiting professor at the University of Science and Technology of China. Currently, Lin is the General Manager of Wonders Information Ningbo Branch, a leading listed medical information company in China, and is responsible for the application of medical data in real-world evidence (RWE), R&D, and clinical research for pharmaceutical companies and CROs, responsible for connecting with the KOL (government, scientific research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, insurance companies).

Lin has published more than 70 publications in internationally renowned medical journals. Published two translated books, and the co-author of three books of clinical practice. Lin is the member of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Collaborator Network and served as the Associate Editor of a special topic of Frontiers in Pharmacology, and compiled international publication related to PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer treatment.

What are your goals for the future? 

I am passionate about developing healthcare collaboration between Australia and China, particularly drawing upon the experience in Australia to promote colorectal cancer prevention strategies in China. The PhD research training of colorectal cancer screening program in the University of Melbourne and VCCC helps me equip with expertise of colorectal cancer screening program in Asian countries, especially in China. To provide an optimal personalized colorectal cancer screening strategy is very essential for general people in China.

I would like to work closely with my supervisors and international colleagues to establish the collaboration with research institutes in China and government to leverage the potential national colorectal cancer screening. The PhD research in the University of Melbourne helps me stand on the platform of highest standard and confident to conduct my future research.

I would like to use machine learning algorithm to offer means of identifying risk of colorectal cancer, including screening and active case finding. The possible risk algorithm includes the information of the individual data, life style, the social economic status, the environment, as well as the biomarkers in the blood and genetic information. The precision risk stratification of our model will be robust based on these information. I would like to establish this risk algorithm for an effective colorectal cancer screening for Chinese people, saving medical expenses for individual and government in China.

What is your advice to students who want to build their opportunities for graduate positions when they finish their course?

If you have some research ideas, always remember to discuss with your peers and mentors in the university. If they can offer you some opportunity to join some research project as a volunteer, you can grasp the opportunity to learn in the project. If it is possible, never hesitate to learn more from the real research project and develop your skills in research design, analytical skills, critical thinking and writing skills. All of above skills will help you stand out to meet the requirement of the graduate position.

How have you gone about making new friends and building your networks in Victoria?

Expand your networking circle. Always think positively about the networking events, and brave to introduce yourself to others. You will know how interesting to meet new friends and share experience with them. Study Melbourne has some very exciting networking events, take every opportunity to enjoy the events and make some friends, and always keep in touch.

Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for students who are thinking about studying in Victoria?

My advice will be independent learning pattern. Victoria has the world class education resources. If you are thinking about studying in Victoria, always try to explore the colour experience in Victoria, to learn your discipline by yourself and discuss with your peers and mentors, but always remember to be independent.