Dr Ryan currently works as a Mass Spectrometry Specialist at Murdoch’s Australian National Phenome Centre, where she uses her expertise in analysing complex biological systems at a cellular level to develop and apply mass spectrometry methods to measure the complex systems and look beyond traditional clinical parameters. 

Such complex analysis allows her to gain a deeper understanding of the biological changes underlying health and complex disease.  

Since completing her PhD in 2024 that investigated how an individual’s unique biochemical profile affects adult burn wound healing, Dr Ryan’s research has expanded to examine the long-term effects of childhood burn injuries.  

“My research particularly explores the long-term metabolic impact of burn injury, as even non-severe burns can have lifelong complications,” Dr Ryan said.  

“This includes examining persistent changes in systemic inflammation, lipid metabolism, and stress regulation up to 2 years post-burn.  

“My research work has demonstrated that metabolic dysregulation can persist even when an individual is considered clinically ‘healed’.” 

Beyond research, Dr Ryan also pursues scientific leadership, conference organisation and strives to support early-career researchers. 

In 2025, she helped organise AUS-oMicS in Cairns – one of Australia’s first multiomic conferences. This year, she helped organise the Australian Lipid Meeting 7 and 5th International Lipidomics Society Society Conference – bringing international lipidomics experts to Perth. Dr Ryan is also assisting the planning stage of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolomics Society 2027 Conference.  

As the 2026 Aspire Award Winner, Dr Ryan will be attending the 2027 Metabolomics Conference, a self-nominated trip funded by Business Events Perth. 

I am honoured to be an Aspire Award recipient. Thank you for this opportunity, I am deeply grateful for it.

“Attending the conference again at this stage of my career would provide significant scientific and professional benefits,” Dr Ryan said.  

“I would have the opportunity to present my research to an international audience, receive feedback from leaders in metabolomics and lipidomics, establish new collaborations, as well as maintain current ones, and remain at the forefront of emerging mass spectrometry and metabolomics technologies (particularly lipidomic technologies!).” 

Dr Sze How Bong, Associate Director of the Office of Research and Innovation at Murdoch University, congratulated Dr Ryan and explained the benefits of winning such an award.   

“Monique’s success reflects the calibre of emerging research talent we have at the Australian National Phenome Centre,” Dr Bong said.  

“Her work is a compelling example of how sophisticated analytical science can move beyond the laboratory to help us better understand health, recovery and disease.  

“This Award is thoroughly deserved and is a fantastic platform for Monique to strengthen her international networks and continue building the impact of her research.” 

Dr Ryan said she ultimately saw these technologies as an "important step towards personalised medicine".

"They help us better understand what is happening in the body so we can detect disease earlier, predict healing outcomes and develop more targeted approaches to treatment and recovery."