Young Western Australian of the Year 2001, Science and Technology

I worked as a research assistant for Prof Nigel Laing at the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute for two years (1997 & 1998), before undertaking a PhD (1999 – 2001) with him and Prof John Howell. The ANRI is unique and special in that it has such a close alignment between the patients and specialists in the clinic; the patients, families and volunteers that interact with the Muscular Dystrophy Association; and then the diseases that are researched by the scientists in the Laboratories. I was frequently inspired by the researchers and clinicians who have such passion to make a positive difference for the patients whose diseases they study, and especially encouraged by the amazing patients and families I had the privilege to meet. My experiences and lessons learnt whilst studying at the ANRI put me in very good stead for undertaking a post-doctoral project at Oxford University.