2 minute read
My Favourite Things
My favourite things Dr Anukriti Mathur
Postdoctoral Researcher, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU
Growing up in India, it was experiencing her own auto-immune disease symptoms at age 15 that led Anukriti down the path to solve the mysteries behind our immune system and infl ammation. Motivated to better understand how the immune system functions, Anukriti started building her trajectory to becoming an immunologist. These days Anukriti goes by Doctor, having completed her PhD and masters in biotechnology, and is a research fellow right here in Canberra at the ANU. Dr Anukriti Mathur has just been awarded a Cancer Council ACT Research Grant for her project that is investigating the role of immune proteins in preventing and protecting against bowel cancer. Findings from this study will help to generate new diagnostic screening tools and immunotherapies for cancer.
FRIENDS
Since coming to Canberra I have developed a really nice group of friends. It really helped me through my journey as a PhD student as there are lot of ups and downs that you face during the project. Being the fi rst time away from my family, having a support system through my friends has been helpful and has kept me sane.
PAINTING
I really enjoy painting. I used to paint in high school, and then as I got more into my studies, I just couldn’t continue it. After submitting my PhD thesis, I started trying to get back to do my painting. It’s a good stressbuster and makes me feel so happy when I create something.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
I really like exploring the outdoors, on nature trails and walks. Canberra is really good for that. I fi nd the Mt Ainslie lookout amazing, just going to that spot helps lift my spirits. I do like Shepherd’s Lookout, it’s a really nice walk and a beautiful spot.
COOKING
I like cooking different cuisines, though mostly Indian. It’s really good to detach from daily life and let go of the research part of me. We usually host our friends, a chance to meet and cook together, talking and laughing. It’s a nice relaxing environment.
I also really love Instagram – scrolling through fashion particularly. What really attracts me is creativity. That is something common through science and art – what the mind can manifest.
