Clinical Research Associate II - Dr Nick Chaaya
Class of 2011
Little did Nicholas Chaaya (Class of 2011) know that just five years after finishing high school he would be studying neuroscience, and today, he is well on his way to obtaining his PhD.
His pathway wasn’t planned, with Nicholas admitting that he left high school with little idea of his future, only that he wanted to undertake some type of university study.
He decided to enrol in a psychology degree, although he had no desire to become a psychologist. His interest was in the connection between emotions, human behaviour and the brain.
“Essentially, I decided to study the coolest thing I could,” said Nicholas.
“I did this, however, without considering the fact that one day I would need to get a job – and that studying psychology means that this job should be as a psychologist.
“Several years (and crises) later I found myself in the fourth year of my degree. During this year, I had to do a research project and produce a thesis.
“Again, I had no idea what topic I wanted my thesis to be on, so decided to pick the most interesting thing I could. Out of all the project choices, studying the neuroscience of fear was what interested me the most.”
Inspired by the dynamics of the research project, Nicholas enrolled as a PhD candidate at QUT in the field of behavioural neuroscience and spent the first 12 months in a steep learning curve, discovering how to work in a lab.
Nicholas said he was privileged to present the results of his research – on the influence of different fear memories on gene expression in the brain – at a major neuroscience conference in America attended by 30,000 neuroscientists from around the world. It was also an opportunity to connect with like-minded scientists from America, Lebanon, Australia and many other countries.
Nicholas’ latest project revolves around neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
“The best part about what I do is finding solutions and answers to how the brain functions,” said Nicholas.
“While science has discovered plenty about many of our other organs, research into the brain is still relatively new. The chance to take a scientific approach to studying emotion interests me tremendously, as does the ability to attribute a single brain region to a behavioural event.
“This research can further our understanding of mental disease, and help treat many individuals who suffer from complex long-term illnesses.”
Looking back over seven years ago, Nicholas remembers Citipointe fondly.
“Most of my Citipointe related memories are pleasant. All of my teachers were amazing. They were extremely supportive
Update 2021
After completing a Bachelor in Behavioural Science (Honours Psychology), followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; Behavioural Neuroscience), Nicholas interned as a Scientific Officer for a small biotechnology company specialising in the development of novel blood tests. Following this, he moved into the Clinical Research industry and worked as a Clinical Research Associate II at Novotech. He worked in early and late phase human clinical trials, helping companies and clinical sites (e.g. hospitals) develop safe and effective vaccines and treatments for numerous indications (COVID-19, Motor Neuron Disease, Diabetic Macula Oedema, Pertussis, and more). Nicholas’ primary task is to audit / inspect these clinical sites, to ensure the rights and wellbeing of patients is protected.
Currently he is working as a Clinical Research Associate II at a Global company called Syneos Health. At Syneos health, he gets to continue working (primarily in early phase human clinical trials) on novel vaccines, treatments and remedies to help individuals who need it. He hopes to continue working as a Clinical Research Associate, with the aim of eventually moving to a Clinical Project Manager role, and later to a Project or Clinical Operations Director.
