Erika is currently investigating a small group of T cells that play a role in controlling inflammation and auto-immune diseases, which she called "the policemen of the whole immune system."
Being the L'Oreal women in science fellowship award winner and a mother to two young boys, how to balance life and career? She told here Chinese sisters, "I think a successful woman is a woman who is doing everything she wants to do, and achieves everything she wants to achieve, no matter she wants to stay at home raising children, or to have a career, they can both be successful."
"I think success depends on what you want to achieve by each individual woman. I think women live to make themselves happy is the most important thing. " she added.
Another busy mother and inventor Professor Veena Sahajwalla has proven to all that women can be excellent both in her career and family.
Veena told Xinhua "No matter what kind of work you do, you have to be really passionate and enjoyable of what you do. To me, they should carry desire to make a difference in society, and make contribution to the community. These will be crucial elements for a successful women in career."
"Australia has very amazing innovation that comes through from people, I think that's what Australia make me proud of. People are very creative, innovation, open to new ideas and wanting to try new things.
"I think it has same approach that we can see in China. There is a lot of clever people with clever ideas."
Veena developed a technology which is basically recycling rubber tyres, and using rubber tyres in the process of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel making. She is proud of the fact that not only scientists have recognized their work, but also the technology has been implemented in the industry, which is extremely satisfying.
Inspired by the many Sister relationships, both Provincial- Level and City-Level, such as Canberra-Beijing, New South Wales- Guangdong, that already exist between Australia and China, " Sisters"tell stories of many inspiring Australian, Chinese women across a broad cross-section of professions, ages, ethnic backgrounds and geographical locations, including Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce who is Australia's 25th governor-general and the first woman to hold this office.Their stories combine to highlight the theme of the Expo, " Better City, Better Life." Both Erika Cretney and Veena Sahajwalla will be invited by Australian government to fly to Shanghai on the occasion of the June 8th Australian Pavilion Day.
"It is going to be an amazing experience for us, something I will remember forever." Erika said with excitement.