New PhD candidates presented their research directions as part of the MMFS CoC Seminar Day at The Loft

The School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences recently came together to support and celebrate its newest research candidates at the MMFS New PhD Candidate CoC Seminar Day.

Held in The Loft on Thursday 23 July, the event provided a welcoming forum for new higher degree research candidates to introduce their projects, share the early direction of their research, and connect with staff, supervisors, current students and recent graduates across the School.

The program showcased the breadth of research underway within MMFS, with presentations spanning biomedical science, rare disease modelling, food innovation, infectious disease, cochlear implant fibrosis and sustainable biomaterials. Candidate presentations were complemented by networking opportunities, an HDR poster session, recognition of recent graduates, and the presentation of badges to new students.

The presentations highlighted the diverse ways MMFS research is contributing to health, food sustainability, infectious disease control and new technologies:

• Haoyu Zheng will explore how tiny connections between cells may help transfer damaged cell components in the nervous system, with potential relevance to Parkinson’s disease.
• Jess Smith is investigating how genetic changes contribute to TANGO2 deficiency disorder, a rare condition linked to serious metabolic and heart-related crises.
• Afzal Hossain will examine how useful natural compounds can be extracted from brewer’s spent grain to create new functional food ingredients.
• Kynen Piacentini is studying how a long non-coding RNA may influence gene regulation and disease processes.
• Dewduni Premarathne presented her research proposal about turning carrot processing waste into biodegradable films for food packaging, helping add value to food waste.
• Md Hazrat Ali is investigating ways to better understand and combat Escherichia coli infections in Australian pigs, including potential vaccine approaches.
• Jorjina Plester will explore how advanced molecular approaches could help reduce fibrosis associated with cochlear implants.

The day was marked by fantastic engagement from staff and current students, who contributed questions, discussion and collegial support throughout the program. This strong School-wide participation helped create a positive and encouraging environment for candidates as they begin the confirmation of candidature process and build connections within the MMFS research community.

Events such as this reflect MMFS’s commitment to fostering a supportive, interdisciplinary research culture in which emerging researchers are encouraged to share ideas, receive constructive feedback and develop a sense of belonging within the School.

Special thanks to our Postgraduate Research Chairs - Associate Professor Jason Terpolilli, Associate Professor Ravi Tiwari and Dr Amanda Ash

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