Graduate profiles

Career path

Dr Archa Fox
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Molecular Genetics
Completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Science (PhD) in 2004

Currently running her own research lab in the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) in Perth, WA.

Advice from someone who’s been there: "When I was an undergraduate I had little idea of just how accessible most scientists and research teams are. I never even contemplated asking for summer projects or asking if I could help out in the lab, but I wish now that I had, because it gives you a great chance to interact with others in a lab and get a good feeling for lab life. Now, on the other side, I know how impressed I am by a student showing a bit of enthusiasm and get up and go."More...

Career path

Combined Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (UTS, 2001)
Bachelor of Science (Advanced) with first class Honours (USyd, 2006)

Currently working for the Dept of Environment and Climate Change as a Policy Officer, and a freelance science writer.

Advice from someone who’s been there: “Follow your interests - talk to people, ask a lot of questions, get involved. Don’t worry if yours is not a conventional path. You'll quickly learn what you like and what you're good at. Of course it helps to know that there are some really fantastic lecturers and academics here too. Apart from imparting knowledge and providing inspiration, they’re a fantastic resource to tap into - for ideas, advice and support.” More...

Career path

BSc (Honours) (Advanced) majoring in Biochemistry (School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences) and Genetics (School of Biological Sciences).
Completed PhD in 2006

Currently a post-doctoral scientist in the Institute for Neuromuscular Research at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Career Goal: to set up her own research lab and to be a University teacher both lecturing to undergraduate students and supervising honours and PhD students.

Advice from someone who’s been there: “I recommend choosing the subjects that you enjoy most throughout your university studies so that by the end of your degree you specialise in what you like most… as enjoying what you do is very important! If you are interested in a career in research I recommend trying to get some lab work experience. This is a great way of enhancing your studies as you put your lecture material into practise. Many Sydney University schools offer Talented Student Program (TSP) options where you can work in a lab for a few hours a week throughout the semester. There are also summer scholarships which allow you to work in a lab for 4-6 weeks over the summer break, OR you can simply approach a lab that is working on something that you are interested in and ask whether they would have any work experience or part time/holiday work available. Your options are endless!” More...

Career path

Dr Leona Campbell

Bachelor of Science
Completed Honours in Microbiology in 2002
Completed PhD in 2006
Currently a post-doctoral fellow with the School of Medicine at Saint Louis University in Missouri, USA

Advice from someone who’s been there: "Don’t be discouraged by undergraduate laboratory classes. They are nothing to the reality of actually working in a research laboratory. Speak to your course coordinators, and don’t be afraid to approach your lecturers - most will be keen to talk to you about gaining work experience in a lab. Research takes commitment, the hours can be long, and experimental failure is always just around the corner. But the excitement of scientific exploration, and the knowledge that you may be the first to discover something, outweighs everything." More...

Career path

Bachelor of Science - University of Toronto, Canada
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics - University of Sydney
Completed 2005

Currently a dietitian and PhD candidate

A passion for preventative nutrition has taken her half way around the world. It also keeps her very busy, but that’s just the way Flavia Fayet likes it. More...

Career Path

Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology & Genetics)
Majored in Biochemistry
Completed Honours in Biochemistry in 1999
Completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Science (PhD) in 2004

Currently a Peter Doherty Postdoctoral Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne.

Marnie Blewitt’s Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology & Genetics) took her outside the science realm when she first joined the workforce. In the end, this only confirmed that the laboratory was where she belonged. More...

Career Path

Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biotechnology)
Majored in Microbiology
Completed Honours in Microbiology in 2003

Worked as a research assistant
Currently a PhD candidate

The same day she submitted her Honours thesis, Kristin Miller saw the advertisement that led to her first full-time job as a science graduate. More...