Mia Fleay – Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)
Research Intern, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Mia Fleay initially applied for a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship to gain hands-on experience in medical research, hoping to better understand where her degree could lead. What she found was a role that went beyond laboratory work and showed her how research connects directly to community health.
Through her internship with the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Mia supported the Parents Actively Tracking RSV In Little Ones (PATROL) study. The project focuses on improving understanding of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common but potentially serious infection in young children.
Mia’s role involved managing key parts of the study’s day-to-day operation. She recorded and tracked biological samples from families, entered results into research systems, and helped maintain communication with participants.
“This project is about finding better ways to protect kids from RSV,” she said. “Even as an intern, I felt like I had an important role in helping make sure the data was correct.”
Her supervisor, Senior Research Officer Anita Williams, said Mia quickly became a dependable part of the team.
“Mia approached her responsibilities with consistency and care and exceeded expectations by working independently and anticipating project needs,” she said.
For Mia, one of the most valuable insights was seeing how research extends beyond lab-based work.
“There are so many teams working with real-world data,” she said. “It’s something I didn’t know much about before, but it’s really important for understanding what’s happening in the community.”
That shift in perspective helped her see research as a form of active citizenship — contributing to changes that benefit others, even when the work is not visible.
By supporting a study aimed at improving early detection and treatment of RSV, Mia’s contribution will continue to influence how healthcare providers respond to the illness. More accurate data can lead to better prevention strategies and improved outcomes for children and families.
Along the way, she developed confidence working in a professional research environment, building connections with researchers and gaining insight into future study and career pathways.
“I was able to meet PhD students, lab specialists and doctors, and learn about the different directions I could take,” she said.
Reflecting on the experience, Mia saw it as more than just a stepping stone into the workforce.
“You learn so much being in a professional environment,” she said. “It’s a really valuable experience that helps prepare you for the real world.”