Profiles

Name: Elizabeth Neilson
Type: PhD Student
Department/School: Botany

Elizabeth recently started a PhD in the School of Botany, investigating defence chemicals in the leaves of Eucalyptus trees. She says "my honours project uncovered unique and novel aspects of toxic cyanide production in the Mountain Swamp Gum, which I am using as a platform for further research during my PhD candidature. In particular, I will look at the change in chemical defence throughout plant development and examine the specific mechanisms that underlie this change."

Elizabeth didn't anticipate undertaking a PhD when she started university, instead she planned to go into a teaching career. Elizabeth enrolled in a Bachelor of Science, intending to then go on to a postgraduate teaching course. During her Bachelor of Science, she majored in Botany and Zoology and particularly liked the third year research projects offered in both departments. Elizabeth says "one particular project focused on the cyanide compounds present in a species of eucalypt. After identifying the novel cyanide compounds in this species, I was offered an Honours project in the Plant Physiology Laboratory. I thoroughly enjoyed my Honours experience, and an opportunity opened for further research via a PhD."

When Elizabeth was offered an APA she says "with every door opened toward postgraduate study, I decided to put the teaching career on hold and jump into the PhD. I have not regretted my decision for one minute and have embraced the further study with much excitement - so far anyway...I love learning and being challenged. Not only am I challenged by my project and the targets my supervisors set, but I am also challenged by my own goals and ambitions. I am continually learning new skills and investigating fresh ideas. For example, this year I learnt how to micropropagate eucalypt species using tissue culture, and have just put my first clone into soil!"

Originally coming from a rural community, Elizabeth marvels at the top facilities offered at the University of Melbourne. She also enjoys the stimulating academic environment around the University and says "it is a prestigious uni with an elite company of academics, enabling me to have contact with today's leading scientists."

It is not all serious though and Elizabeth really enjoys the social side of uni life, partly due to the vibe and community feel within the Botany Department. She says, "It is such a friendly school, and you are made to feel at home as soon as you enter. I have become involved in the Botany Postgraduate Society, and have also joined the lunchtime Botany Soccer and Netball teams."