Aseel Bakro is part way through a Master of Chemical Science in the Dutton Lab at LIMS. During her Honours year at La Trobe University, Aseel investigated the activation of hypervalent iodine compounds with Borane Lewis acids. And remarkably for an Honours student, Aseel achieved first author position on a paper in the highly respected Chemical Communications journal.
“Not long after taking the first step in my research journey, that I was able to introduce something new to the chemistry world is a milestone I am very grateful for,” said Aseel proudly.
In her Master’s degree Aseel is extending upon this body of work. The bursary from Graduate Women Victoria (GWW) will enable her to focus on her investigations and to complete her Master’s degree.
Andrea Nguyen is completing her PhD in the Gras Lab at LIMS, which will round out her student journey at La Trobe University after graduating with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) in biochemistry. Andrea studies T cells in relation to Influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Since the beginning of her PhD she has published 12 articles, four as first author, and has been a recipient of 13 awards in various domains. Receiving the Feminist Fathers’ Bursary from GWV provides Andrea with the breathing space to continue her important work within the LIMS Immunity and Infection theme.
“I am grateful to have received the Feminist Fathers’ Bursary and thank the Sasse family for their generous donation – and GWV for making this possible. This bursary will support me to travel to Versailles, France for my first international conference, which is a tremendous opportunity and privilege,” said Andrea.
LIMS also congratulates La Trobe University student Sonia Abdallah for her award in the Masters of Education category.
The goal of Graduate Women Victoria is to empower women through education and advocacy locally, nationally and internationally. Thanks to GWV, these awards will allow Aseel and Andrea to focus on their studies and grow their body of research in preparation for the next step in their career.
