CBNS Experience

Aykut Zelcek’s research experience in Australia

In March 2019, I had the chance to join CBNS as a visiting PhD student for a year. As a young researcher, I always knew that there were strong polymer chemists working in the field of nanomedicine and drug delivery in Australia. Still, I wouldn`t imagine that one day I will be a part of this highly intellectual atmosphere. While I was pursuing a PhD in my home country, I had an opportunity to continue my study abroad for a one year. With the orientation of my supervisor Professor Volga Bulmus and the help of CBNS Director Professor Tom Davis, I was able to get a scholarship and thereby my journey in Australia began. Under the supervision of Professor Davis, Dr Kristian Kempe and Dr Meike Leiske, I’ve worked on the design of polymer-based materials for siRNA delivery. During my study, I’ve had a chance to meet and work with other CBNS students and researchers in a welcoming atmosphere. With the invitation of Professor Davis, I’ve joined NHMRC grant workshops held in Sydney where I’ve had an opportunity to present my work and meet our collaborators, Associate Professor Joshua McCarroll and CBNS CI Professor Maria Kavallaris AM. These meetings have given me the chance to introduce myself, grow my network and hear about other studies going on in the field. Rapidly I’ve become a part of a highly collaborative environment and met pioneer researchers. Thanks to remarkable research facilities and experienced researchers in CBNS, I was able to carry on various experiments in different biology and chemistry labs and had lots of hands-on experience. I believe that my study in Australia has led to increased development of my personality, both socially and scientifically and given me unforgettable memories.

Joanne Ly with colleagues

Alumna Joanne Ly’s Experience

Dr Joanne Ly completed her PhD with Centre Director Professor Tom Davis at the Monash University node of CBNS in 2019, researching novel nanomaterials for selective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During her third year of her PhD Joanne started applying for jobs to gather interview experience and to explore opportunities outside of academia. After attending a CBNS IP Workshop, Joanne decided to apply for a role as a Patent Examiner at IP Australia and was successful.

IP Australia is a federal government agency that administers intellectual property rights for patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder’s rights in Australia. Early 2019, Joanne moved from Melbourne to Canberra, starting her new job at IP Australia and writing her PhD thesis. She had finished all lab work and was able to submit not long after moving to Canberra. Joanne’s team examines patents relating to polymers and applied chemistry.

“Some cases I have examined include sponge cakes, dog food, pesticides, polymeric drug delivery, catalysts, security pigments, cardboard, porous silica particles and membrane detergents and alcoholic ice cream!” Joanne is currently in her final stage of training and really enjoys her job. “Surprisingly, I enjoy learning about patent law, but the best part of my job is that every day I learn a newinteresting fact!“