The Department of Biochemistry, te Tari Matū Koiora, is proud to announce the winners of the annual department student academic awards and scholarships.
Each year the department awards prizes and scholarships to outstanding students, encouraging them to continue research careers within biochemistry. The prizes are funded by generous donations from former staff, students, and their families.
The following students have been awarded prizes and scholarships on the basis of their academic performance in 2024.
The Edson Prize in Biochemistry (300-level)
For the student in the 300-level BSc(Hons) class who has reached the highest attainment in biochemistry.
Sophie Tunnicliffe
Originally from the Kāpiti Coast, Sophie came to Dunedin specifically to study biochemistry. She always liked science (and has ‘sciency’ parents) and biochemistry enabled her to combine her favourite sciences at high school - biology and chemistry. Last year she completed her BSc with a major in biochemistry and a minor in genetics, and this year, her honours research project carries on from a summer research project in the Cancer Genetics laboratory with Associate Professor Anita Dunbier, looking at oestrogen-receptive positive breast cancer, and three genes involved in metastasis, working towards the development of an improved metastatic ER+ breast cancer model. Onwards from this year, Sophie hopes to continue post-graduate study, as well as travelling overseas for a bit, ultimately aiming to have a career in research. Outside of study, Sophie makes the most of the beautiful outdoors we have access to in Otago, with her running, bouldering and tramping adventures.
The Edson Prize in Biochemistry (400-level)
For the student in the 400-level class who has reached the highest attainment in biochemistry.
Andrew Yip
Andrew began university as a Health Science First Year student, but developed an interest and passion for molecular biology and biochemistry that led him away from professional healthcare and into the world of science, completing a BSc in biochemistry with a minor in microbiology. In his fourth-year honours project, he started to explore the world of protein structure and function under the supervision of Professor Catherine Day and Dr Fareeda Barzak, studying the factors that affect RNF114 activity, an E3 ligase enzyme that is involved in regulating DNA repair. At the same time, Andrew discovered a passion for communicating science while demonstrating in undergraduate labs and volunteering to help in various outreach activities. He is now completing a Master's of Teaching and Learning at the College of Education in Dunedin, excited to share his knowledge and passion for science with future scientists. Outside of university life, Andrew likes to run, hike and hang out with friends and family.
The Petersen Prize
For the student(s) who have shown the greatest promise for original research in the 400-level class.
Aleisha Chalmers
Aleisha grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and whakapapas (has genealogical ties) to Ngāti Pū. As a childhood lover of David Attenborough and National Geographic, Aleisha has always had a passion for science. Early in her first year at Otago she found a love for neuroscience, becoming fascinated by the challenge posed by the brain trying to understand itself. Following a BSc in neuroscience and zoology at Otago, Aleisha carried out her honours research project in neuroscience under the supervision of Dr Nathan Kenny, investigating vision and the conserved eye development cascade in kuku (green-lipped mussels) using a transcriptomic approach. Later this year Aleisha will be reading for a MSc in neuroscience at the University of Oxford, and is excited to see what new horizons she discovers through this. Outside of university, Aleisha enjoys reading, rock climbing, and photography.
The Mervyn Smith Prize
For the student with the highest level of attainment in the first year MSc class.
Jess Willans
Jess grew up on a farm in the Te Anau basin, spending many excursions in the Fiordland National Park, where she thinks her love for science started. In her first year at university she did health sciences and discovered her interest in biochemistry through the BIOC192 paper. From there she majored in biochemistry, with some genetics, microbiology and plant biotechnology thrown in. She loves learning about how the world works around us and why things happen the way they do. Jess is now into the second year of her master’s project with Associate Professor Liz Ledgerwood, developing a tool that can probe the two different oligomeric states of human peroxiredoxin 2 in living cells. Outside of the lab, Jess enjoys playing netball and racket sports, and doing some painting and sewing when she gets the chance.
The Joan Mary Anderson prize
For the student(s) in the 400-level class who shows greatest promise for contributing to plant science.
Alex Nash and Aaron Hewson
Alex was born in the UK but moved to New Zealand at a young age. Growing up in Lincoln, near the university, he was surrounded by agriculture, which helped nurture his early interest in plant science. But it was during a post-high school gap year that Alex discovered a love for gardening, sparking a deeper interest in how plants work. That curiosity led him to study plant biotechnology in Dunedin - a field that perfectly aligned with his desire to better understand plant systems and processes. After completing his undergraduate degree and taking another gap year, Alex has returned to begin a master’s degree in plant biotechnology with Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield. His research focuses on identifying genetic variations linked to self-compatibility in ryegrass, with the goal of developing markers for breeding self-fertile varieties. Outside of study, Alex is an avid fly fisher, who loves spending time in nature around Dunedin, and is always keen for a round of disc golf. In the future, he hopes to travel and work on developing new plant varieties that support sustainable agriculture.
Aaron was born and raised in Dunedin. Pursuing his dual passions for plants and people, he graduated last year with a BSc in agricultural innovation and plant biotechnology, and a BA in religious studies, minoring in Asian studies. He sees the realms of science and humanities as complementary in achieving sustainability and environmental change. Aaron is currently working on a research project genotyping apple cultivars at the Jim Dunckley Heritage Orchard under the supervision of Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield. He is excited to work on a project that will deliver benefits to both community and industry. As well as protecting heritage, he hopes the research will inform future breeding programmes. Outside of academia, Aaron enjoys reading and plays an active role in Future Farmers. Moving forward, Aaron would love to work in applied plant research, increasing the diversity of plants that people eat and interact with. He is still deciding on a direction but is keen to contribute wherever his skills apply.