QAEHS in Focus shines the spotlight on QAEHS staff and students to showcase the expertise and talent within our Centre.
Why did you choose QAEHS to study with?
I’d wanted to do a PhD since finishing my Master’s, but I hadn’t had the chance to pursue one. I was coming to the end of my job in Spain when someone at QAEHS told me about a PhD opportunity and thought my background could be a good fit. The project really caught my attention, and the idea of doing a PhD at QAEHS and moving to Australia made it even more exciting. Australia had never really been part of my plans, so it was a big decision to move to the other side of the world. But it felt like the kind of opportunity you don’t get every day, and the fear of making such a big change didn’t feel like a good enough reason to say no.
What is your research about?
My research looks at whether plastic-associated chemicals have the potential to reach the brain. The goal is to investigate whether and to what extent these chemicals may cross the blood–brain barrier, what properties may influence their permeability, and how we can develop reliable analytical methods to study them in brain tissue. Ultimately, this could help us better understand how the brain may be exposed to these chemicals.
How do QAEHS academics assist with the development of your research?
I think one of the things I really like about QAEHS is how approachable everyone is. People are very open to helping each other, which makes it easy to ask questions and share ideas. My advisors have played an important role throughout my PhD, giving me guidance while encouraging me to develop my own ideas. They’ve also helped me become more open to questioning my own assumptions and changing my approach when needed. I also really enjoy working with the analysts, and I always learn something new from our conversations!
What has been the best advice you have received about coping with the move to Brisbane?
To always say hello to the magpies. Apparently, that’s how you stop them from swooping you!
What is your favourite movie?
Probably The Fifth Element.
Random fact you would like to share about yourself.
I’ve somehow perfected the art of imitating the sound of chickens.
