2014 Awards Bulletin Celebrating Excellence in the Faculty of Science In this bulletin we celebrate the achievements of a number of researchers and students who applied to the Faculty of Science in 2014 for awards supported through trusts and sponsorships. We congratulate the following award recipients: Dean’s Awards for Excellence The Dean’s Awards for Excellence were presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Karen Day, at a ceremony in University House in June. The awards acknowledge the excellence and commitment of staff in the following categories: Excellence in Teaching: Small class/Later year––Jenny Martin (Zoology); Tutor/demonstrator––Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre team: Elizabeth Bailey, Sharon Gunn, Heather Lonsdale, Robert Maillardet, Anthony Morphett, Penny Wightwick, Susan Wilson Excellence in Research: Research only––Nathan Clisby (Mathematics and Statistics); Teaching and Research––Colette Boskovic (Chemistry); Excellence in Environment, Health and Safety: Bryan McGowan (Chemistry) and Kate Nowell (Zoology) Excellence in Engagement: Outreach and Science Communication––Andrew Melatos (Physics), Ed Newbigin (Botany) and Mick Moylan (Chemistry); International––Tim Jessop (Zoology); Industry––Roger Rassool (Physics) L-R: Anthony Morphett, Karen Day, Susan Wilson, Sharon Gunn, Mick Moylan, Heather Lonsdale, Penny Wightwick, Colette Boskovic, Robert Maillardet, Ed Newbigin, Nathan Clisby, Andrew Melatos, Bryan McGowan, Roger Rassool, Jenny Martin, Tim Jessop, Kate Nowell. Absent: Elizabeth Bailey Rama Lokon and Michelle Livett Bachelor of Science Medal (2013) Rama Lokon: ‘After a confused year in the Arts faculty, I finally saw the light and made the jump over to the Bachelor of Science. I went on to major in Mathematics and Statistics, drawn to the near universal applications and often somewhat abstract problems, obviously never having completed the transition to reality. Since graduating, I have begun my career in the field of management consulting with hopes of sampling as many different kinds of work as possible in search of that dream career/the meaning of life. This has so far proven a life-consuming challenge (especially when it draws me away from my most beloved hometown of Melbourne), but in between the spreadsheets and conference calls I still find time to pursue my musical passions and reflect longingly on a simpler time at the University of Melbourne.’ Indigenous Engineering Pathways Scholarship Adam Pyke (BSc): ‘The first year of my Bachelor of Science degree has been a deeply rewarding educational experience. Finding a balance between the expected subject workloads and my external elite sport commitments was sometimes Adam Pyke and difficult but I have managed to find a Janet Hergt sustainable balance which has allowed my study to advance successfully. In 2015, I intend to have a more active role in both the Melbourne University Geomatics Society and activities run by Murrup Barak. I will also be representing the University in a range of athletics competitions, including the Australian University Games. I am particularly looking forward to my study as many of the subjects I intend to take are directly related to Geomatics and I now know exactly how to successfully go about a full university year.’ *************************************************************************** Trust or Sponsored Awards We congratulate the following researchers and students who successfully applied to the Faculty of Science for trust or sponsored awards in 2014: ACADEMIC RESEARCH awards: Dr Laura Downie awarded the Kaye Merlin Brutton Bequest Associate Professor Andrea Morello awarded the David Syme Research Prize (open to external applicants) Dr Chris Burns awarded the Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry (open to external applicants) Dr Lars Goerigk awarded the Selby Research Award STUDENT RESEARCH awards: Catherine Wheller (Earth Sciences) awarded the John and Allan Gilmour Research Award Megan Hirst (Genetics) awarded the Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship and the Dawson Bursary Ashwani Kumar (Mathematics & Statistics) awarded the Muriel Ramm Science Bursary 21 students awarded the Norma Hilda Schuster (née Swift) Scholarships RESEARCH AWARDS (BY APPLICATION) The David Syme Research Prize Andrea Morello (UNSW) for Quantum computing with single-atom spins in silicon. Andrea and his team have developed the technology to encode and manipulate information in the quantum state of individual atoms, while preserving the same technological platform that underpins all of modern information technology. This work lays the foundations for constructing revolutionary machines capable of solving problems of great societal value, such as the design of advanced materials and drugs, the optimization of transport and traffic, or the search through large databases. Andrea Morello The David Syme Research Prize rewards the best original research undertaken in Australia during the preceding 2 years in biology, physics, chemistry or geology. Value in 2015 approx. $7,300; Closing date: 16 January 2015 The Kaye Merlin Brutton Bequest Laura Downie (O&VS) for Overnight corneal reshaping therapy as a novel treatment for dry eye disease. A primary focus of Laura’s research relates to the development and validation of new treatments for dry eye disease. The standard of care for this disease is currently supportive, rather than therapeutic, and often inadequately relieves patient symptoms. There is a strong clinical need for enhanced therapies. Funding from the Kaye Merlin Brutton Bequest enabled the purchase of an Oculus Keratograph 5M corneal analyser/dry eye evaluation system. This state-of-theart clinical tool enables the objective quantification of dry eye parameters in vivo and is an invaluable clinical research tool for research in ocular surface disease. The anticipated outcome is the the validation of a new clinical treatment for dry eye disease to improve the quality of care for patients with this significant eye condition. The Kaye Merlin Brutton Bequest supports early career Laura Downie investigators undertaking research in cancer, diseases of the liver, ophthalmic diseases (in particular, the neurological aspects of vision) and angina pectoris. Value in 2015 approx: $20,500; Closing date: 27 February 2015 The Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry Christopher Burns (WEHI) for The discovery and development of the dual JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor CYT387 (Momelotinib). Chris’s research has led to the discovery of a drug for the treatment of the debilitating pre-cancerous disease myelofibrosis. In Phase II clinical trials the drug has been shown to be safe and effective in treating patients, alleviating all of their symptoms and significantly improving quality of life. The research undertaken included the design of the drug, tests to prove it safe for human use and demonstration of activity in preclinical models of the disease. The drug is now in Phase III trials and is being developed by the US biotechnology company Gilead. The Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry rewards Chris Burns (photo courtesy of WEHI) the best original research in a branch of industrial chemistry which has been undertaken in Victoria during the previous 5 years. Value in 2015 approx. $5,800; Closing date 12 January 2015 Selby Research Award Lars Goerigk (Chemistry) for Quantum-chemical optimisation of DNA structures and related compounds. Computational quantum chemistry provides insight into chemical processes through calculations rather than experiments but until recently only small model systems could be treated computationally. Technological advances have made the treatment of challenging ‘real-life’ problems feasible, and makes quantum chemistry a valuable tool in chemical research. Lars’ project aims to develop new computational methods that can be applied to large biomolecular structures, particularly DNA, which are normally experimentally resolved by X-ray crystallography. His research aims to replace the empirical through a quantum-chemical model that is more reliable in the determination of DNA structures. This will enable more reliable applications in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and biotechnology. The Selby Research Award is supported annually by Lars Goerigk the Selby Scientific Foundation. Funds assist an outstanding early career academic in chemistry or a chemistryrelated discipline to establish their research career. Value in 2015 - $18,000. Closing date to be advised STUDENT AWARDS (BY APPLICATION) Catherine Wheller The John and Allan Gilmour Award Catherine Wheller (Earth Sciences) for The origin and evolution of the high-temperature rocks of southern Madagascar. With the help of the Gilmour funds Catherine completed a successful one-month field season in southern Madagascar to collect rocks that have evolved through high temperature conditions throughout Earth's history. The funds covered airfare, the critical services of a local driver/guide/translator, vehicle hire and fuel, food and accommodation, and rock transfer to Germany (where she undertook the primary analysis). Results of the field season are so far excellent, and Catherine is excited about investigating the mineral textures she has uncovered in relation to the formation of the supercontinent Gondwana 500–600 million years ago. The John and Allan Gilmour Research Award and the John Hodgson Scholarship, awarded in alternate years, provide assistance for a PhD research activity which is part of a PhD program but is not normally supported by the student’s supervisor. Value in 2015 (John Hodgson Scholarship) approx. $5,500; Closing date: 6 March 2015 The Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship and the Dawson Bursary Megan Hirst for her research Adaptation in Brachyscome. Megan’s PhD research aims to develop a greater understanding of how taxa from the southern hemispheres, particularly the Australian daisy Brachyscome, will respond to the effects of climate change. Her research involves an examination of the physiological and morphological differences in the genus (particularly alpine species) through reciprocal Megan Hirst experiments in the Bogong High Plains, the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, laboratory and glasshouse work. Her results will indicate how much resilience is present in the genus, whether different species are more threatened than others, and whether particular attention should be paid to some lineages that are currently restricted to habitats likely to change substantially in the next few years. The Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship is awarded to a female postgraduate student undertaking research in the discipline of genetics. Value in 2015 approx. $6,700; Closing date 9 March 2015. The Dawson Bursary provides support for a RHD student in the Faculty of Science in the biological sciences. Value in 2015 approx. $3,300; Closing date 4 March 2015 The Muriel Ramm Science Bursary Ashwani Kumar with Susan Ramm-Anderson, Muriel Ramm’s daughter Ashwani Kumar is completing the first year of a Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics). His research involves the development of a mathematical model to improve patient flow in the health care system and avoid waste (of both staff time and perishable items). To ensure a sustainable system in a climate of rising demand and limited funding, utilisation of resources must be optimal. Ashwani’s research involves the analysis of current practices and developing a new, improved, method for allocating and scheduling surgical resources. The Muriel Ramm Science Bursary supports a Faculty of Science student entering the Bachelor of Science (Hons), Master of Science or the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Science. Value in 2015 approx. $6,000; Closing date 30 March 2015 The Norma Hilda Schuster (née Swift) Scholarships 21 students were awarded scholarships in 2014 to support them in undergraduate study or graduate research in the field of biochemistry: Yi Lin Kang; Rebecca Tan; Karen Steffi Cheung Tung Shing; Jaclyn Lange; Kelsey Lee Picard; Bom le Choi; Danielle Maree Christesen; Joseph Byrne; Stacey Erin Rudd; Brianna Steed; Gaetano Speciale; Joan Narciso; Yin Ying Ho; Dhika Amanda; Wendy Li; Edgar Zhipeng Liu; Tessa Young; Dane McKay Vassiliadis; Michael Leeming; Quinn Besford; Bethany Finger. The number and value of awards made in 2015 will be dependent on funds available––up to $1,000 (MSc and Hons); up to $5,000 (RHD); Closing date 31 January 2015 *************************************************************************** Further information and application forms for Faculty of Science awards available in 2015 are available at: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships and searching under the award name. Our 2015 Awards Bulletin will be expanded to reflect the Faculty’s new structure. Further details about trusts held by the University of Melbourne are available at: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/utr/utr6.html and http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/utr/utr7.html. For enquiries please contact Linda Richardson [email protected] T: 8344 5949
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