06 June 2025
Institute news
Millie recently joined our Human Resources team in February. She helps new employees make a smooth transition with onboarding and encourages a positive workplace culture.
What attracted you to the Institute?
I was working in HR in healthcare, and I wanted to find out more about research, especially with my personal experience. I can 100% relate to the people that we help.
What was your personal experience that drew you here?
When I was 17 trying to prepare for final exams to get into college, I got very sick and this continued for months. The doctors kept sending me home with antibiotics for an unknown infection but finally, I was sent to hospital. They realised I had endocarditis – an inflammation of my heart’s inner lining and valves. It had caused a previously undetected hole in my heart to enlarge. If I had delayed coming to the hospital for 72 hours, I wouldn’t have survived. I needed nine weeks of antibiotics, then open heart surgery.
How did your illness change the direction of your life?
I realised my whole life could have changed forever if the surgery wasn’t successful, or I needed a mechanical valve. But as my surgeon said, I was one of the luckiest unlucky people. I was able to pick up my life again.
When I was lying in the hospital bed for months, I had a lot of time to think. After my dad had given me so much support, I felt I would be doing him a disservice if I didn’t do something with my life. I wanted to help people in some way. I had planned to study law, but those plans were derailed by my illness.
Instead, I studied International Business and moved to Brisbane for a year. This opened the window to a whole different life. I had previously lived in Melbourne when I was young, then we moved to Yorkshire. As soon as I finished my studies and came out of COVID lockdowns, I returned to Australia and the sun.
How does the Institute’s work inspire you in your role?
The Institute reconnects me with the amazing people who helped me to survive. If it wasn’t for the researchers and my surgeon, I wouldn’t be here. My job now is to help other people. If I can support those who are making such a big difference in the lives of others, that’s great.
How has working here motivated you to change your lifestyle?
I’m motivated to be healthier. I’ve been going to the gym and I’m now eating better. I’m also getting to know various teams and what they do. Our team’s tour of Dan Donner’s lab was fascinating, and Alison Bennett pops in with health tips for us regularly that we all appreciate.
