What is your topic / field of interest?
Biochemical reactions and enzymology

What experience have you gained while studying at ANU?
My PhD has involved aspects of biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry, both of which were quite new to me when I started. The chance to learn about these subjects and apply that knowledge in the lab has been very rewarding.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time here?
I can be more patient than I thought! To get a result in the lab can take many months work, especially when you’re playing with enzymes. Being more patient and thinking things through logically were the key for me. I have also learnt that I keep a very untidy lab bench!

What do you see yourself doing upon completion of the program?
Hopefully a post-doctoral position somewhere. It is a good opportunity to head overseas. There is the small matter of a thesis to write first though.

What has been the most enjoyable experience during your studies at ANU?
Without doubt, the best thing about coming to work is the people I work with. Work would be so much harder were it not for the characters I get to meet during the day.

Why would you recommend this program to others?
The levels of support available to me have been amazing. From supervisors, academics, technical and admin staff, and even security for letting me in the building in the morning. The facilities are also world class. Without these, I wouldn’t have got nearly as much done.

Benefits of being at ANU / life in Canberra?
With ANU being a research-focussed university, it was an easy choice coming here for a research-based PhD. Living in Canberra itself has also been great. It’s big enough that you always have something to do, but small enough that you’re not crowded out y a million other people wanting to do the same thing. It will be hard to leave. And who needs a beach?!