Mia Kibiki, MSc Student, BBmedSc

Sharing the passion for Cancer research, Mia is dedicated to understanding the unique tumour microenvironment of Glioblastoma (GBM) and using this knowledge to improve in vitro 3D models that better reflect the cellular diversity of human tissue.

She was inspired by the patient-focused research at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute (GMRI), which led her to join a collaborative project between the McConnell Lab and GMRI as a master’s student through Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington in 2024.

During her Master’s, Mia’s research focuses on targeting stromal cells within GBM tissue and tracking their presence in 3D GBM spheroid cultures. Building on prior mass spectrometry data, she is validating her findings using histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Her aim is to compare stromal cell presence in both patient-derived GBM tissue and FFPE spheroids. Additionally, she seeks to enhance existing spheroid models by incorporating stromal cells, to further improve their relevance as in vitro representations of GBM.

In 2024, she was awarded a summer internship at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, working on the COVID-19 Needle Length Study. This experience gave her valuable insight into how clinical research can overcome practical barriers to bring lab-based innovation into patient care.

Outside the lab, Mia is a self-described busy bee. She leads an active lifestyle, enjoying calisthenics and kickboxing, and is always on the hunt for great spots in Wellington’s food scenery - often with a matcha in hand.

Public Science Communication:

 Presentation at School of Biological Sciences post-graduate colloquium, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, 2025