School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University

The La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is recruiting for a Senior Research Fellow in Food Chemistry. The successful candidate will collaborate with a world-class team and industry partners to advance research in plant-based food development, ensuring quality, nutrition and sustainability. This role will focus on innovative research in food lipid and flavour science, using advanced analytical technologies to optimise sustainable food ingredients and products. Applications close 24 January 2025. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3Pm28Bv #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LISAF #LaTrobeUniversity

La Trobe University researchers have secured more than $11 million in funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Ideas Grant scheme. Researchers in the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment secured four grants. Professor Chris Sobey, Dr Michael De Silva and Dr Hyun Ah Kim received funding for their project on post-menopausal therapy, that will identify safe drug options to preserve cognitive function as well as cardiovascular health in women. Dr Travis Johnson, Associate Professor Sebastian Dworkin and Associate Professor Zhen He received funding to use a novel discovery pipeline to develop health restoring diets for Inherited Metabolic Diseases. Dr Shannon Hedtke received funding to investigate why lymphatic filariasis hotspots emerge and how interventions can be best targeted to eliminate this persistent yet preventable disease. And, Professor Karla Helbig and Professor Adam Mechler received funding to optimise the composition and delivery of artificial lipid droplets to boost the innate immune response and reduce the ability of viruses to replicate. Read more: https://bit.ly/3VDUfec #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity

Scientific labs produce a lot of waste. In fact, scientific research generates around 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste globally. The La Trobe Green Labs Committee is on a mission to change this.  The team – made up of a passionate group of students, research fellows, technical staff and lab heads – is dedicated to identifying meaningful solutions to the sustainability challenges faced in scientific labs. Dr Ebony Monson says the scientific community has a pivotal role to play in promoting sustainability, particularly when it comes to reducing waste. “While a significant portion of lab waste is hazardous and requires specialised disposal, much of it isn’t and can be reused or recycled,” she says. “We have successfully implemented strategies to combat plastic waste including sustainable purchasing, reuse strategies and reducing plastic use with alternatives like glass or paper.” Dr Monson says that, while these are small changes, she hopes they will lead to "research into more sustainable options for the future.” Read more: https://bit.ly/4gfOOtG #LaTrobeAgricultreBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity 

We asked Dr Fung Lay, Lecturer in Biochemistry, for a quick career insight:  How can students and graduates build their professional network?  “Building a professional network is essential for students and graduates as they develop their careers,” he says.  “Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn enables individuals to create a strong, authentic, professional identity by showcasing skills, experiences, education and accomplishments.”  “In my teaching practice, I emphasise the importance of LinkedIn as a tool to curate a professional brand and expand one's network. I run workshops to help students understand how to effectively use LinkedIn, including how to highlight transferable and employability skills.”  “Additionally, I integrate photography from classroom and lab activities to visually enhance students' LinkedIn profiles. By capturing moments of active learning and professional development, students can reflect on their growth and share these experiences with their network.”  Dr Fung Lay is a Lecturer in La Trobe's Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry. He is also Academic Coordinator for the La Trobe University-PSB Academy Transnational Education Partnership (Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics) Program.   #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity  

Congratulations to researchers from La Trobe’s School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment who have received funding as part of the 2025 Australian Research Council’s Discovery Projects scheme. Dr Nicholas Reynolds, Dr Sarah Annesley, Professor Thiruma Arumugam, and Dr Eugeniu Balaur will receive $655,607 for a project that aims to investigate the commonality and nanoscale structures of aggregated proteins (amyloids) in viruses, generating new knowledge in the areas of virology and nanobiotechnology. Professor Jason Dutton and Professor David Wilson will receive $535,635 for a project that aims to develop new ways to convert simple hydrocarbon feedstocks into value-added fine chemicals through the development of the strongest known organoiodine oxidizing agents. The Discovery Projects scheme supports individual researchers and research teams in projects that expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability. Read more: https://bit.ly/414zRpQ #LaTrobeUniversity #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment

La Trobe’s School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment is recruiting for a Lecturer in Ecology (Teaching and Research).    The successful applicant will be an emerging research leader who will be an effective teacher in undergraduate courses. They will be expected to establish and maintain a dynamic research program, teach at the undergraduate level, and contribute to interdisciplinary research within the Department, School and the wider academic community. We invite applications from researchers working with plants, animals or other biota at the organismal, population, community or ecosystem level, including conservation biology.    Applications close 2 January 2025.    Find out more: https://bit.ly/3CHvua9    #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity 

Meet Veda Mileva, a soon-to-be Bachelor of Biomedicine graduate.      “Growing up I was involved in competitive sports and, as a result, needed to do a lot of rehabilitation with a physiotherapist or osteopath. It was after spending so much time with these professionals that I became interested in the human body and how it moves,” says Veda.      When deciding on her study pathway, Veda chose La Trobe’s Bachelor of Biomedicine degree so that she could explore a range of different professions.       “Even though my initial goal was to pursue physiotherapy, I decided to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine so that I had more career options,” she says.      Veda, who will graduate in December, says her future career possibilities are endless.     “I am so thankful that I chose to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine degree because it has exposed me to new interests and opened my eyes to a wide range of career options that I had not previously considered.” Find out more about La Trobe's Bachelor of Biomedicine: https://bit.ly/4fEWWnK   #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity

Last week, La Trobe celebrated its 2024 graduates from PSB Academy and Singapore Nurses Association at a ceremony held at The Star Performing Arts Centre in Singapore.    The event marked the conferral of 300 graduates from the School of Education, the La Trobe Rural Health School, the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and the Environment, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery. An additional 62 students graduated in absentia.    "In September 2021, we welcomed our first cohort of students into the Master of Biotechnology Bioinformatics program at PSB Academy," says Acting Dean, Professor Robyn Murphy. "This milestone was made possible through the extraordinary commitment and collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff in both Australia and Singapore, who worked tirelessly to develop and deliver this innovative program."   "We continue to support La Trobe students to achieve their postgraduate qualifications through our partnership with PSB Academy. This graduation not only celebrates the academic achievements of our first Masters cohort in Singapore but also represents the potential for expanded international education opportunities in biotechnology and bioinformatics."   "Our commitment extends beyond this first cohort – we envision continued growth, deeper academic collaboration and increased opportunities for students across Australia and Singapore."   #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity #PSBAcademy

La Trobe’s School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment is recruiting for a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry.    The successful applicant will develop curriculum, coordinate subjects and/or courses, and teach in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics/genomics, biotechnology, biomedicine or related fields.    They will also be expected to direct a productive research program in one of these areas.    Applications close 28 November 2024.    Find out more: https://bit.ly/4evIrB3    #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity 

Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology student, Cassandra Kuzmicky, is on a mission to spread the word about the importance of conservation. “I chose this degree because I am passionate about helping Australian ecosystems and species. It has allowed me to explore many areas including botany, zoology, climate science and law.” Cassandra says the practical experience and field trips have been the highlight of her degree. “So far, I have been to Natimuk, Wilson's Promontory and Falls Creek. Being able to apply the knowledge I've learned in my classes has been crucial in driving my passion for wildlife conservation.” “I also undertook placement at Bush Heritage Australia, where I conducted research on a critically endangered grey grass tree that grows on one of the reserves that Bush Heritage Australia own and protect. The aim of my research was to inform management teams on how to proceed with fire management on this reserve.” When she graduates, Cassandra would like to work in plant ecology. “I’d love to do research or fieldwork. While I am open to exploring many ecosystems across Victoria, I would especially like to work on conservation strategies to protect endangered plant species and threatened ecosystems in the Alpine region.” “I also want to be an advocate for places that need protection," she adds. "I don't want to just work in these areas, I want to speak about why they are worth protecting and communicate the importance of conservation to a wide audience.”  #LaTrobeAgricultureBiomedicineAndEnvironment #LaTrobeUniversity #Conservation