By Munkhshur Myekhlai

Meet Ornella Mekountchou. Hailing all the way from Cameroon, Ornella has been interested in maths and science since her childhood. Her interests led her to India where she graduated as an optometrist from the Bausch and Lomb School of Optometry in 2013. She returned to Cameroon, joining the teaching team of a training school in Yaoundé as optometrist lecturer before deciding to travel the world again, this time heading to Australia to pursue her PhD.

 

What is the focus of your PhD?

I am currently doing a PhD on myopia at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Myopia (also known as shortsightedness) is a condition where a person can see objects clearly when they are nearby but has difficulties to see distant objects. Myopia is a massive problem worldwide and in later life can lead to vision problems and even blindness. My research is focused on developing systems to test potential myopia control treatments.

Why did you choose to study science?

I have always been interested in maths and science although my parents tried to convince me to study other subjects too! I first became interested in optometry and the eye when I visited the eye specialist for the first time with my younger brother. Over the years, I also realized that I wanted to have a career where I could use my skills and knowledge to help people and so naturally being optometrist was a perfect fit!

What do you like most about doing research?

There are too many things to be honest! If I had to choose one, I think I really enjoy generating results that I can see having an impact the world. I know my research is addressing a major eyesight issue and developing methods to prevent them and that is pretty special. I also love being able to share scientific knowledge with the community.

 

What do you like to do when you are not doing research?

When I am not doing research, I like to practice hair styling. In African culture, women commonly do different things with their hair, including styling, braiding and twisting. I also like hanging out with friends, listening and dancing to music, volunteering and traveling. I also LOVE to cook and to feed people!

 What are your future plans?

I really want to be able to improve the healthcare system in my home country of Cameroon. So far, being an optometrist gave me the opportunity to do this by providing care for people in a direct way. Now, as I also become a researcher, my hope to continue to contribute to this care by discovering better treatments to help people with eye conditions. Hopefully after I finish my PhD I can continue to gain experience as a researcher before I go back to my country and continue to establish a good optometry practice.

What do you want to say to younger generations who want to study in science?

I say go for it! Pursue a career in Science and most importantly, don’t give up if something fails. For every opportunity I have gotten, I failed at least more than once. Whilst I certainly found it difficult to be rejected at times, I am always glad I tried. Don’t take it from me, experience it yourself!

 

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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!

 

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