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?
As society advances, people's demands for health and environmental standards increase. QAEHS, an institution that has long focused on environmental and health issues, aligns perfectly with these growing public needs. My choice to join QAEHS is not only because its work complements my academic background, but also because it offers the opportunity to engage in vital health-related work. Here, I can be part of uncovering the secrets between humans and the environment, collaborating with like-minded individuals to study issues of environmental health that are closely linked to humanity.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on air, aiming to decipher the antibiotic resistance genes carried or transmitted through microbes or abiotic agents in the air. Antibiotic resistance significantly impacts clinical treatments. By studying these resistance genes in the air, we can identify which antibiotics are being or are about to be misused, as well as which bacteria are prevalent in specific contexts. This not only provides feedback and guidance for clinical treatments but also plays a preventive role against large-scale epidemic diseases.
How do QAEHS academics assist with the development of your research?
The QAEHS community has created a harmonious and democratic environment. As an independent campus of UQ, it is distinctly different from the main UQ campus. Here, you won't find the noise and restlessness of the main campus; instead, it's filled with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Everyone knows each other well, fostering a very stable and secure research environment. The researchers here have their own preferences and characteristics in academic habits, and the clash of different ideas enables me to discover new research directions. We have the purest research environment where I can focus solely on achieving the most refreshing scientific discoveries without being distracted by trivial matters. Overall, the research habits, ways of thinking, and the peaceful environment are the greatest treasures of QAEHS.
What has been the best advice you have received about coping with the move to Brisbane?
I think the two best pieces of advice I've ever received are: don't buy lottery tickets and don't work overtime—get out more instead. Without a doubt, the less you work, the more you'll love Brisbane.
What is your favourite movie?
The first movies that come to my mind are the James Bond series. I love every Bond film starring Daniel Craig. But there's also another movie that I've watched many times and highly recommend: the 2005 film, 'Match Point'.
Random fact you would like to share about yourself.
Australia has given me many different experiences, but my favourite is the car culture here. I've already owned several cars, and now my hobby is buying, fixing, and then swapping cars. I've also become an expert in car painting. Even if a car is down to bare metal, I can restore it to its original condition. I've had various jobs before; I was a pharmaceutical R&D worker, a cancer gene testing support technician, a magazine editor, and a doctor's assistant. Now, I really enjoy my new identity.
