A/Prof Nikki Verrills is a cancer cell biologist based at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Her research interests’ centre on understanding the molecular changes that occur as a normal cell becomes cancerous, and as cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapies. Her major focus is on cellular signalling, and her group has identified novel roles for the tumour suppressor protein phosphatase, PP2A, in development and disease. She has generated novel PP2A knockout mouse models and developed new agents to target PP2A. The goal of her work is to translate these research findings into improved therapies for cancer patients - ultimately leading to greater patient survival. A/Prof Verrills is currently supported by an ARC Future Fellowship and grants from the NHMRC, HMRI and the Pink Frangipani Foundation.