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Student Profiles
Peter Nicholls is a second year PhD student investigating the hormonal regulation of microRNAs in the testis.
He will soon present his work as a finalist in the New Investigator Award session at the Society for Reproduction and Biology’s Annual Conference in Adelaide, August 2009:
Why did you choose research in male reproduction?
When I finished my undergrad studies at Monash Uni, I knew that I wanted to begin a research career, but I didn’t know what type of research I wanted to pursue. I was really attracted to the reputation of Prince Henry’s Institute, and after an Honours year, I decided to continue this research with a PhD in male reproduction. Male health is an area that has lots of potential for basic research with possible clinical outcomes!
What do you enjoy about your research?
I really enjoy the challenge of research and the variety that comes with it. The potential for finding or describing something new is very motivating!
Why did you choose to study at PHI?
I chose Prince Henry’s Institute for the reputation and quality of the research. The supervisors are full time researchers rather than lecturers and always there to support and mentor me through my career. Prince Henry’s has all the benefits of an independent research institute while still being close enough to Monash University to enjoy all the benefits as a student.
Describe a typical day as a student at PHI:
Postgrad research is extremely varied and challenging. At Prince Henry’s, you are given the opportunity to participate in every step of your research, from the hypothesis, to the planning, experimentation, interpretation and presentation of results. No two days are ever the same!
Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
One of the great things about medical research is the flexibility in working hours, which lets you plan your research around your social life, rather than the other way around! Apart from study, a typical week includes playing competitive sport with the PHI social club, mountain biking, music and socialising.
Jun Yang is a medical graduate, currently an endocrine fellow at Monash Medical Centre.
She was recently awarded an NHMRC Medical Postgraduate Research Scholarship to enable her to undertake PhD studies at PHI:
Why did you choose cardiovascular research?
Actually, I didn’t at the very beginning! I wanted to further my understanding of hormone receptors and chose the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) because it appeared to be the “Cinderella” amongst the steroid hormone receptors. It is “under-studied” and “under-reported” in literature, yet there is so much to learn about its molecular signaling pathways. I became aware of its cardiovascular significance after further reading and am now very excited by the prospect of using MR modulation to combat heart failure.
What do you enjoy about your research?
I love the challenge of working with a difficult receptor and the anticipation for surprising results each week! It is very satisfying to think that this humble receptor may one day be modulated to combat one of the biggest killers in Western societies (ie. heart failure). I also enjoy learning from my supervisors and other supportive scientists at PHI – it is a luxury being a student!
Why did you choose to study at PHI?
I have worked at Monash Medical Centre for many years, so have always heard about PHI and its excellence in hormone-related research. The proximity to the hospital also allows me to fulfill a clinical role without time-consuming interruptions to my laboratory work. Another good reason to study at PHI is its people (fellow students, research assistants, senior scientists, supporting staff, etc), who are amazingly generous with their time and knowledge. This was very important for me as a clinician entering the laboratory for the first time.
Describe a typical day as a student at PHI:
I usually write out a weekly plan with tasks for each day so that first thing in the morning I can relax and prepare experiments for that day. Then I race around the corridors to finish everything on time! I attend endocrinology outpatient clinics twice a week, so experiments with long incubation periods are planned for those days. There are also lab meetings, lunchtime journal clubs, student progress meetings and afternoon forums to hear about cutting edge research from renowned scientists. One of my favorites is cake day – every member of the lab has his/her birthday celebrated with a cake and a very merry afternoon.
Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
I wish I could participate in more student activities at PHI, but it is rather difficult with a 2 year old toddler around! My main extracurricular role is the treasurer of the Australian Chinese Medical Association and its conference convener for the past four years.
Anything else?
PHI is a fantastic place to carry out your research, and you are bound to find something of interest given its wide repertoire of research topics. For the clinicians out there, don’t be afraid to venture into the world of science – there are endless clinically-relevant puzzles to be solved!
Sarah To is a first year PhD student in the Sex Hormone Biology Laboratory identifying new mechanisms that regulate oestrogen production in breast cancer.
She will present her findings as a finalist in the Novartis Junior Scientist Award session of the upcoming Endocrine Society of Australia annual meeting:
Why did you choose cancer research?
Cancer is a disease that affects so many people, nearly everyone knows of somebody who has been diagnosed at some point in their lives. I wanted to do my bit to help understand the molecular basis of cancer so that better diagnostic and treatment options may become available.
What do you enjoy about your research?
The work is intellectually stimulating, and you get to explore lots of different ideas. It's nice to know that you're contributing to the fight against cancer.
Why did you choose to study at PHI?
I wanted to get out of the comfort zone that a university campus offered and challenge myself to a new environment where academics are fully dedicated to research and don't have teaching commitments to take up their time. PHI also has a great reputation to world-class facilities, staff and research.
Describe a typical day as a student at PHI:
Most days are spent carrying out experiments, analysing data, reading the latest literature or planning future directions. There are also weekly lab meetings, supervisor meetings and seminars you attend where you learn about other areas of science or the latest techniques in research. Every day is different!
Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
I play the trumpet in a concert band and orchestra based as Monash Uni Clayton (the Monash University Philharmonic Society), and am also an active committee member for the society. I am actively involved in social aspects at PHI too, attending social club functions and playing in the PHI netball team. I also demonstrate undergraduate labs at Monash University. It’s good to mix it up a little to get out of the lab sometimes.