PhD Student
Children's Cancer Institute, Australia
Larissa is a PhD candidate at the Children’s Cancer Institute in Sydney, Australia, where her research focuses on the DNA damage response (DDR) and therapeutic vulnerabilities in pediatric sarcomas. Her work combines genomic profiling, CRISPR-based functional screens, and drug sensitivity analyses to uncover mechanisms driving treatment resistance and to identify novel DDR-targeted strategies in childhood cancers.
Before moving to Australia, Larissa completed her Master of Science in Biomedicine and Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine at the University of Zurich (Switzerland), where she developed a strong background in molecular oncology and translational research. During her MSc thesis in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Beat Schäfer at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, she investigated CHD4 small-molecule binders as a therapeutic approach to reduce tumor growth in fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Her research experience also includes work as a Research Assistant at both the University Children’s Hospital Zurich and the University Clinic Balgrist, where she contributed to projects exploring molecular mechanisms of tumor progression.
Larissa is passionate about translating molecular insights into more effective and less toxic treatments for children with cancer. She is also deeply interested in science communication and data visualization, making complex biological concepts accessible to broader audiences. Originally from Switzerland, she brings an international and interdisciplinary perspective to her research.
