However, for infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation, respiratory issues are a critical concern, often requiring mechanical ventilation, which, while lifesaving, can also lead to long-term lung complications like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Prue and her team are pioneering a precision medicine approach to tackle these challenges.

Using a cutting-edge tool called mass spectrometry, they can identify changes in the way proteins coordinate and work together to support life and how this process may be altered in premature infants undergoing intensive care.

Their most recent work not only provided the first comprehensive map of blood changes occurring in babies who go on to develop BPD but also identified a BPD-specific ‘fingerprint’.

This group of fingerprint proteins will form the foundation of a new assessment tool which will predict BPD sooner, allowing for earlier diagnosis, more targeted treatments and better-informed counselling for families.

Whether it’s identifying better ways to support the lung, discovering new therapeutic targets, or developing early diagnostic tools, their goal remains clear: find solutions at birth to prevent chronic injury later in life.

"What excites me most is the potential to improve the life trajectory of preterm infants from a future marked by chronic illness to one of health and opportunity, mirroring their term-born peers."

Prue’s career is marked by significant milestones, including her leadership role within MCRI’s D&D Team and her collaboration with The Royal Women’s Hospital to spearhead the BLUEPRINT study.

This work was pivotal in securing an MRFF grant for the study which aims to pinpoint predictive markers for BPD within days of birth, laying the foundation for proactive treatment strategies that could revolutionise neonatal care.

Outside of MCRI, Prue is a dedicated parent navigating life with two teenagers. Together, they enjoy cooking, classic TV shows like M.A.S.H. and Golden Girls, and exploring nature’s wonders.

Prue embodies a holistic approach to life and work by balancing her career with her personal interests in art and design, as well as spending quality time with her partner Dave and her mum.

By bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical application, Prue ensures that every discovery translates into tangible benefits for infants and families worldwide. Her vision of a future where every child can thrive motivates her efforts, making her a driving force in transforming neonatal care.