Dr Lorey Smith is a Victorian Cancer Agency Mid-Career Fellow at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. She completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne and investigates mRNA transcript diversity in melanoma progression, treatment resistance, and tumour immunity using functional genomics and long-read sequencing approaches. By illuminating the dark transcriptome in melanoma, she aims to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. Her research is supported by national and international funding, including the NHMRC and US Department of Defense. Lorey also advocates for equity in science and co-chairs Peter Mac's Research Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.