A common thread runs through every story of discovery and innovation. There’s a moment when passion turns into purpose and another when talent confronts opportunity to create something so needed. However, all innovators are part of a much larger picture, their work stitching together discoveries of those who came before, while seizing opportunities and benefitting from networks of likeminded peers and those willing to invest in tantalising potential.
Such is the case for UWA biomedical engineering student Rafael Fiore. While it’s easy to trace a thread connecting his early fascination with physics and medicine to his current work in cutting-edge cancer detection research, Rafael credits his discovery of biomedical engineering as the moment his purpose first materialised.
“I always had a general interest in medicine and biology, however in high school I found myself gravitating towards physics,” Rafael explains.
“Throughout my undergraduate degree, while enjoying physics, the innovation and breadth of the biomedical engineering sphere appealed to me – and I have become passionate about the potential the field has to better human health and wellbeing”.
Now in his fifth year at UWA, and soon to graduate with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), majoring in engineering science and biomedical engineering, Rafael finds himself on the seam of another significant moment – undertaking a PhD at UWA in conjunction with Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. His research proposal, headily titled ‘Dielectric Tissue Characterisation and Phantom Development for Microwave Medical Imaging’, underlines an interest in cancer detection and treatment modalities that developed through his honours studies, while investigating properties of melanoma that may allow for the development of non-invasive skin cancer detecting devices. He now looks to expand his research scope to also include ovarian cancer.
“Tissues throughout the body have varying water concentrations and biochemical compositions, including cancer and associated healthy tissue” Rafael said, when asked to put his PhD title into layman’s terms. “These dielectric properties can be measured by utilising microwave imaging and once characterised, non-invasive and non-ionising cancer detection technologies can be developed”.
I may only write a small chapter in the story, but to weave a thread in the ongoing tapestry of biomedical engineering is a dream come true.
UWA biomedical engineering student Rafael Fiore
With Australia having the highest melanoma rates in the world – often being referred to as our ‘national cancer’ – Rafael is looking to a future where his research has helped develop safer, more accessible methods of cancer detection that don’t rely on harmful radiation or invasive biopsy procedures. Yet, none of this would be possible without the support that has allowed him to pursue his research with dedication.
As one of the strongest threads in the ever-growing fabric of innovation, The William and Marlene Schrader bequest has been a defining force in advancing biomedical engineering at UWA, their generosity serving as a pipeline to provide students like Rafael the freedom to fully commit to groundbreaking work, from their first days at university through to postdoctoral research. A recipient of both the William and Marlene Schrader Masters and PhD Scholarships, as well as the Memorial Prize for Biomedical Engineering, he is thankful for support that allows the freedom to dedicate himself fully to research, without the burden of financial constraints.
“I am humbled to be part of the William and Marlene Schrader Postgraduate Scholarship community and by the opportunity to help make an impact in both the field of biomedical engineering and human health,” he said.
“None of which would be possible without the help of the scholarship, my supervisors and parents”.
Without the Schrader Trust, Rafael’s research might have remained a bright idea with no lab to bring it to life. Previous scholars have made significant contributions to the field, and Rafael is determined to do the same. He envisions an Australia where biomedical engineering is at the forefront of global innovation, where technologies developed in research institutions such as Harry Perkins translate directly into lifesaving medical advancements. With each breakthrough, each discovery, and each life improved, the legacy of the Schrader Trust lives on – woven into the very fabric of progress.
"Their generosity allows me, as well as those before and after me, to invest resources and energy into research that will progress the field and human health," Rafael reflects.
"I may only write a small chapter in the story, but to weave a thread in the ongoing tapestry of biomedical engineering is a dream come true."
To find out how your giving could help power the next generation of lifesaving research, reach out to Claire Lenyk, Senior Development Manager, on +61 6488 3843 or by email to [email protected]. Your support could be the thread that changes everything.
Read the full issue of the Winter 2025 edition of Uniview [Accessible PDF].