Erika Cretney

Erika Cretney has a diverse work experience in the field of cancer research and education. Erika currently holds the position of Head, Research Education at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre since April 2021. Prior to this role, they served as the Acting Research Education Manager (May 2020 - March 2021) and the Research Education Program Manager (January 2019 - May 2020) at the same organization. In these roles, they were responsible for managing the Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program and the Professional Development Program, involving the development and management of resources for cancer-related PhD students.

Before joining Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Erika worked at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Erika served as the Alumni Relations Manager (Project Manager) from July 2016 to January 2019, where they successfully implemented an alumni relations program. Additionally, they had a secondment role as the Scientific Education Manager from November 2016 to July 2017, where they lectured and assessed Honours students and developed professional development programs for PhD students.

Erika's earlier work experience includes serving as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow (2008 - 2016) and an Intern - Alumni Relationships (2014 - 2015) at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Erika also held the position of a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow (2006) at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where they co-led scientific projects and obtained fellowship funding. Furthermore, they worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2004 - 2005) and a Research Assistant (2000 - 2002) at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, focusing on cancer immunology research. Their career in research began as a Research Assistant (1997 - 2000) at Austin Research Institute.

Throughout their career, Erika has published in esteemed scientific journals and received recognition for their contributions to the field, including receiving a commendation for the Premier's Award for Medical Research.

Erika Cretney completed their education at different institutions over the years. In 1993, they enrolled at the University of Melbourne and completed their Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry in 1996. Following this, Erika pursued further studies and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cancer Immunology from the University of Melbourne, specifically the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, from 2000 to 2004.

In 2020, Erika attended the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL by GrowthOps) for a program called Certified Organisational Coach (Level 1), focusing on Organisational Coaching. Additionally, in 2021, they obtained a certification as a Standard Mental Health First Aider from Mental First Aid Australia.

The provided information indicates Erika's educational journey, encompassing their degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry, Cancer Immunology, and their recent focus on Organisational Coaching and Mental Health First Aid.