Sarah bonds with world-class research lab

Gold Coast local, Sarah Tynan, has made history as the first Bond University student to be accepted into the esteemed Amgen Scholars Program at Melbourne University.

The international research program gives undergraduate students hands-on lab experience over an 8-week period in a world-class lab of their choice.

Miss Tynan, who studies Biomedical Science, says her love for chemistry drew her to apply for a placement with The Leung Research Group.

“The Leung Research Group, headed up by Dr Ivanhoe Leung, study proteins and enzymes and are learning how we can genetically modify microorganisms to tackle today’s science challenges,” says Miss Tynan.

“It’s very exciting. I really didn’t think I’d get accepted but figured it would be good practice applying anyway.

“I’m looking forward to learning everything from researching techniques through to how to effectively collaborate with lab members. 

“At the end of the placement, we present our research findings, and hopefully, I can bring some new and interesting techniques back to Bond.”

Miss Tynan credits her high school chemistry teacher for encouraging her to pursue a career in science.

“I was at this point in the middle of high school, where I didn’t know what I wanted to be or what I wanted to do, and I had a chat with my chemistry teacher about it,” says Miss Tynan.

“He said – you love chemistry, why don’t you go into that? I had never even considered it. I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor and I just had no idea what a career in chemistry could even look like.

“I love learning about the future, and to me that means science. 

“The thought of pursuing a career in research and potentially one day discovering something new, is very exciting.”

Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Associate Professor Dr Donna Sellers said she hoped the program gave Miss Tynan insight into the benefits of a career in research. 

“This is a highly competitive international program, so we’re absolutely delighted for Sarah on this huge achievement,” says Dr Sellers.

“Biomedical research is the rapidly advancing interface between science and medicine – the critical backbone of scientific developments and advances in medicine and healthcare. 

“We’re finding that students, even more so since the pandemic, and regardless of their final career aspirations, are starting to get excited about research and are understanding its critical role in every profession. 

“Research experiences are vital to sparking that passion and innovation, showing students how and where they can get involved to make a real difference, and the varied and exciting career pathways in industry and beyond.”