Researcher biography

Marika completed her undergraduate degree graduating as Valedictorian in 2017. Her honours thesis focused on the combined effects of high intensity interval training and nutrition therapy on body composition and quality of life in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. 


Marika is interested in the field of Exercise Oncology, specifically the roles of exercise mediated circulating factors on immune modulation and the inhibition of cancer cell growth and proliferation. Her PhD will aim to add to the mechanistic understanding of the relationship between exercise intensity and antineoplastic effects with view to advance its role in cancer survivorship.


Marika has previously been involved in projects focusing on:

  • Optimising exercise for cognitive health in older adults. (2017)
  • Assessing student perception of peer assisted learning within a first-year university physiology tutorial setting. (2017)
  • Testing of physiological, functional and psychosocial measures in cancer patients and survivors following participation in a mHealth enhanced exercise rehabilitation clinic. (2016)

Research interests

Exercise Oncology, the Immune Response to Exercise 

Project title

The influence of high-intensity interval training on biological markers and quality of life in cancer survivors

Advisors

Dr Tina Skinner

Associate Professor David Jenkins