Department of Biochemistry

I am really excited to be doing research within the Department of Biochemistry.

The best thing about studying at La Trobe has been the range of learning opportunities and the experience gained throughout my course. I am currently studying for my PhD, researching the assembly of mitochondrial complex I, the first enzyme in the electron transport chain involved in ATP generation.

I studied Biochemistry as part of my undergraduate course and found the subjects all very interesting and challenging. I decided to undertake Honours and had a really positive experience doing research within a lab. After graduating, I applied for a scholarship and was successful, so now I am able to perform my own research towards a PhD.

Once I finish my PhD my aim is to go to Europe and work as a post-doctoral researcher in biochemistry and mitochondrial biology labs. The ultimate aim is to return to Australia and start my own research group. As part of my undergraduate course, I undertook an eight week project at the Peter Mac Cancer Centre, which gave me my very first taste of real science and I was hooked! The following year I was awarded a CXS summer studentship scholarship in Professor Mike Ryan’s lab. I then returned to Mike’s lab the next year to work on mitochondrial fission within cells using microscopy. All of these experiences were really great, helping to shape my perception of science beyond the undergrad labs and prepare me for postgraduate research.

I’m studying at the Bundoora campus and the facilities and atmosphere cannot be compared to anything I have experienced! The research facilities in the Department are amazing, including access to powerful microscopes and a Mass Spectrometry Facility. Plus, the new La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) sees the dawn of a new era for biologists, chemists and physicists, allowing us to work together to solve common problems using world-class equipment.

The agora is an amazing place to meet with friends for a coffee, and the large campus here provides plenty of space for you to enjoy your classes, but also your free time.