Megan Baxter and Grace Borchert’s friendship began at Griffith University Medical School, where they were part of the class of 2021. From the outset, they found themselves drawn to the same causes and activities, bonding over their shared passion for health equity and community service.
Recently, the two have just published a paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on gene therapy for achromatopsia, a rare genetic eye condition.
Megan and Grace’s journey together started during their time at Griffith University, where they both quickly got involved in various student groups and initiatives. They were both active members of Ubuntu Through Health, a student-led initiative raised funds to support critical health programs. In 2018, they visited the Ruben Centre based in Mukuru, Kenya, as part of this work.
The experience left a lasting impact on both. "Home visits in Mukuru were eye-opening. Seeing firsthand how the Ruben Centre serves the community was humbling and inspiring," recalls Megan. For Grace, this time led her to appreciate the significant role that the Ruben Centre has in restoring health, improving quality of life and giving hope for a better future.
In addition to health work abroad, Megan and Grace became a dynamic duo at the Griffith University Surfers Paradise Rowing Club, rowing as a double in their spare time.
In their final year at Griffith, they completed a rural General Practitioner (GP) term in Charleville, Queensland, where they worked at the Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Community Health Centre.
“Charleville was an incredibly insightful experience,” says Grace. "To see with my own eyes the challenges to access health care, distances travelled and limited resources yet critical need for such services has had a significant impact on my vision."
After graduation from medical school at Griffith, their paths converged again at the University of Oxford. This was fostered by a supportive and encouraging friendship along with a shared sense of adventure. They found themselves again gravitating towards similar co-curricular activities, social events and rowing together again although this time on the River Thames.
Megan, now a Genetics Skeletal Dysplasia Clinical Fellow at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, recently completed a Master of Science in Genomic Medicine at the University of Oxford, where she was awarded the prestigious Clarendon scholarship. Grace, equally accomplished, is pursuing her DPhil in Clinical Neuroscience, supported by both the Ramsay and Clarendon scholarships.
Their experience at Oxford was not only an academic journey but also a continuation of the bond they had built at Griffith.
Their complementary fields of study—Megan’s focus on Genetics, and Grace’s interest in Ophthalmology—have laid the foundation for their collaborative research in gene therapy.
Achromatopsia is a rare genetic eye condition that affects colour vision and there is currently no treatment available. Megan’s experience in Genetics and rare diseases, combined with Grace’s passion for Ophthalmology, created the perfect synergy for this research.
Grace was inspired by a few patients with achromatopsia in clinic. So, the duo set out to explore the therapeutic landscape of gene therapy as a treatment for achromatopsia. “Our complementary skills really helped drive the project forward,” Megan adds. "Grace’s deep passion in Ophthalmology and my background in Genetics meshed perfectly."
With one research paper behind them, Megan and Grace are far from done. They are already brainstorming future collaborations and are excited about the clinical trials on the horizon and the hope that gene therapy gives patients.
Their shared passion for improving patient outcomes, particularly in rare diseases, continues to be the driving force behind their research.
As they look to the future, they remain grateful for the opportunities, mentors and friendships they made at Griffith University, which laid the foundation for their ongoing collaboration.
Reference:
Baxter MF, Borchert GA. Gene Therapy for Achromatopsia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(17):9739. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179739
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