A high-achieving Murdoch student was one of your four West Australian medical and science undergraduate students to score a scholarship to gain valuable research experience in the field of lung disease.

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Molecular Biology Honours student Sarah Hayton, 25, has spent her summer holidays working at the Lung Institute of Western Australian (LIWA), based at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands.

As part of LIWA’s summer cadetship, Sarah spent 10 weeks working fulltime alongside world-leading lung researchers at the charitable organisation, one of only two research institutes in Australia dedicated specifically to investigating lung disease.

Sarah said the scholarship, of which she received a tax exempt allowance of $400 per week, was invaluable.

“I have been introduced to a full working research team and laboratory, have gotten to know day-to-day procedures of life in the laboratory, and have been able to work with research scientists and learn from senior researchers,” Sarah said.

“What I have learned here is priceless, and will prove a huge help for me going in to my Honours year at Murdoch this March.”

Sarah spent her time working with the dedicated Tissue Repair Group and its project on lung fibrosis.

Director of LIWA Professor Philip Thompson said the scholarships were great for undergraduate students who want to gain a ‘taste’ of what research is actually about, or are interested in a research career in the lung disease arena.

“The awards help them to develop great skills and knowledge in a short period of time,” Professor Thompson said.
 

（www.eduwo.com, Anna）