Author: mathssciencechampions

By Zahra Tajbakhsh 

Microbiologist Mahjabeen Khan first became interested in bacteria when she realised these unseen organisms caused so much illness in the world. Her interests led her to a degree in microbiology at Hazara University, Pakistan then a job in poultry research organization where she explored how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused disease in chickens and finally, a PhD in School of Optometry and Vision Science exploring the same bacteria P. aeruginosa which could also cause eye infections in humans. When not researching, Mahjabeen can be found taking photos of flowers or curled up with a good book.  

 

 

You are currently doing a PhD. What does your project focus on?

My PhD investigates how bacteria infect the human eye and how it can be treated. This is important as bacteria are the most common cause of eye infections in people who wear contact lens (and even those who don’t wear contact lens). By understanding these bacteria, we can ways to treat bacterial eye infections with current antibiotics.

What led you to choosing a career in science?

I remember visiting a doctor as a child and being so impressed at how the doctor understood why a person had become sick and could diagnose disease and prescribe medicine. This influenced me a lot and led me towards an interest in microbiology. As I grew up, I realised that by choosing a career in research, I could start to answer questions still unknown in microbiology.

What is your favourite part of doing research?

The interpretation of my research results is definitely the most interesting thing for me as well as explaining research to others. I really enjoy trying to explain ‘what is what?’ and ‘how is how?’ It not only helps people understand research, but it helps me generate new ideas.

What are you up to when you are not doing  research?

I love to read. Yes, I know this is strange considering research involves a lot of reading but away from research, I love to read novels and poetry. I am also a keen photographer and I like to take photos of flowers wherever I go. I recently captured some amazing orchids photos  during a trip to Singapore.  I also like dress designing. Yes, I have a lot of hobbies!

 

What are your plans after your PhD?

I would like to continue developing better treatment options for eye diseases caused by bacteria, potentially moving more towards  industry related research. I very much look forward to travel to other countries towards my journey of discovering best treatment options as a part of career.

What message would you like to spread to those who are interested in science and research?

I think many people feel science and research is complicated, rigid and boring. This is far from true! A career in science and research is an amazing opportunity to have the freedom to think outside the box and use these thoughts to contribute towards a better society. Not only that, scientific researchers themselves are diverse individuals and an amazing community to be part of. If you like capturing photos of flowers too, you will fit right in!

 

Follow Mahjabeen on Twitter

By Koumbo Ornella

Why is the sky blue? Why are leaves green? Why is the sun bright? These are typical questions we expect from children about the outside world. But not Munkhshur Myekhlai; she was wondering how she could protect the environment of her country of Mongolia from mining and air pollution. Her passion for the environment led her to study chemistry at National University of Mongolia and then Australia where she is a Scientia PhD scholar and working on synthesising nanoparticles to develop clean energy sources which she may one day be able to introduce to Mongolia.

1. What do you study at UNSW?

I am a PhD student in the School of Chemistry at UNSW. My research focuses on the synthesis of nanoparticles which can help by used to develop clean energy sources.

2. Why did you choose to study in science?

Since I was child, I was always looking for answers. Where does rain come from? How those glasses are made? How does a television work? Naturally, this led me towards an interest in science as a way to find the answers to these questions. As I grew up, began to realize that studying science is not the only way to help me understanding the things, but it was also a way for me to help change our world in a right way.

3. So, what kind of questions are you now trying to answer in your PhD?

I was born in Mongolia, a country rich in natural resources including precious and rare earth metals, and fossil fuels. Naturally, these resources mean there is a lot of mining in my country. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the mining industries in Mongolia are not well developed and there are no recycling systems in place for industrial waste which means the natural environment of Mongolia is under threat. So, one of my biggest goal in life became how can I help protect the environment in Mongolia?

This led me to my PhD research which focuses on making nanoparticles to be used as a catalyst for clean, green energy sources. By learning how to develop green and sustainable technology during my PhD, I can return to Mongolia and drive the development and implementation of environmentally friendly mining technology.

4. What do you love most about your PhD research?

I love the challenge of learning new skills. For example, I had to learn certain microscopic techniques to characterize the nanoparticles I have made. It is amazing when you see your particles at the atomic level. As Richard Feynman, one of the fathers of nanoparticles, once said ‘there is plenty of room at the bottom’.

5. So, what do you like to do when you are not making nanoparticles?

I love to know more about Australian culture, and I like to enjoy the beauty of nature, specially, the beaches of Sydney are very beautiful. I also like watching movies, playing chess and working on science outreach events with younger generations.

6. What is your advice for younger generations considering a career in science?

   

If you have willpower and a dream, nothing is impossible. Follow your dreams with a science and go forward.

 

Follow Munkshur on Twitter

Follow Ornella on Twitter