The Department of Biochemistry would like to congratulate the following students, who have won the 2017 Department of Biochemistry prizes:
Bridget Thomas
The Edson Prize in Biochemistry - for the student in the 300-level class who has reached the highest attainment in biochemistry.
Bridget grew up in Christchurch where she attended Villa Maria College. She knew she wanted to study science when she came to university but was not sure in what area. After her first year she chose to continue with Biochemistry "as I liked how understanding how biological molecules give rise to cellular processes, and can have direct and significant applications in areas such as agriculture and health". Bridget says this complemented her other major of Plant Biotechnology well.
Nick Tenci
The Edson Prize in Biochemistry - for the student in the 400-level BSc(Hons) class who has reached the highest attainment in biochemistry.
Nick hails from Dunedin, where he attended John McGlashan College. Torn between interests in commerce, science, and language, Nick pursued a double degree in finance and biochemistry with a minor in German. Nick completed his biochemistry honours project under Dr. Monica Gerth, and intends to pursue a PhD after a short work break this year.
Sarah Trevelyan
The Petersen Prize- for the student who has shown the greatest promise for original research in biochemistry in the 400-level class.
Sarah is from central Auckland and attended Mount Albert Grammar School. Growing up she enjoyed baking, Irish dancing and social hockey. Sarah chose the University of Otago for its strong science programs and renowned student life. The biochemistry paper during the first year health science course captured her interest not only because of the engaging lecturers but also the realisation of the fundamental interrelationship between biology and chemistry. As a result of completing Honours in this field in the laboratory of Dr Peter Mace, and therefore appreciating the cross-disciplinary applications of biochemistry she is now hoping for a rewarding research career.
Josiah Doorman
Mervyn Smith Prize - for the student with the highest level of attainment in biochemistry in the first year MSc class.
Josiah spent his high school years studying at Middleton Grange School in Christchurch. He's interested in fitness, social sports, history and of course, discovery in the world of science. His choice to study biochemistry came from an early interest in biology followed by the fist year biochemistry paper BIOC191 which, he says, revealed just how interesting the field is. Josiah is undertaking his MSc research in Professor Catherine Day's research group.