Emma Dawson

Supervisor: Dr Iain Duggin

Honours project title
Identifying protein interactions of a new tubulin-like protein, i.e. FtsZ4 in the archaeal organism Haloferax volcanii

Describe your honours project
My honours project involved looking at a possible missing link. The evolution of an important superfamily of proteins -Tubulin and FtsZ, where I aimed to develop and collect preliminary data for both artificial and native environment. I could identify interactions of my protein interest FtsZ4 with its native environment in Haloferax volcanii. In understanding what proteins FtsZ4 interacts with in its native environment it will help us further understand its function and structure within the cell.

What is the aim of your project?
To identify protein-protein interactions of the archaeal protein FtsZ4 in Haloferax volcanii

Why did you choose to pursue an honours degree as opposed to going into the work force? Why this area of research?
I chose to pursue an honours degree to give me the necessary lab experience once I’m in the workforce. I am also very keen on research, especially in cell biology because it is an important fundamental area of research. I chose a proteomics honours project because it is one of the upcoming areas of research, where it combine both cell biology and proteomics and allowed me to receive a range of scientific knowledge and skills.

What attracted you to research at UTS Science?
Research at UTS Science is exciting, particularly in the ithree Institute where it uses a systems biology approach to develop insight into basic biology and its application of infectious diseases.

Research challenges past and current science, and looks at the greater picture and the impact of science in the society, which I liked a lot. Also you cannot go past the facilities available at UTS. But in the end, the atmosphere at UTS Science is always buzzing - keep you active, excited and motivated!

My future
I’m hoping to continue my research at UTS in the ithree Institute as a PhD student. I truly love research and I would love to make a career of it.

What interests you most about Science or Mathematics?
Science is all around us, we see it, we feel it, we hear it and we experience it everyday.  Understanding the world around us allows us to utilise everything we have. In science and mathematics the knowledge and the learning process is endless. That excites me.

What is the best thing about your Honours year?
The best thing about my honours year was the sense of accomplishment at the end of it. At the end of the year I was able to say, I conducted my own research, I learnt new skills that I can use in laboratories around the world and I have contributed to science. Also, the amount of students doing honours is quite small and you form close friendships, and understands what each other is going through. These are the people you know will be your friends and colleagues throughout your career and your life.

What is the best thing about your School/or Supervisors?
The School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences and the ithree Institute are amazing places to do your honours year. Everyone is so friendly, supportive and genuine. My supervisor was amazing and I wouldn't have wanted to have any other supervisor. You form a close bond with your supervisor, for they become your mentor, teacher and friend.

What advice would you give a student thinking of Honours?
Just do it. What do you have to lose? Honours gives you amazing experiences for both science and life. It will be challenging year but you come out the other end, a better scientist and a better person for it.