08 Apr 2023
Doherty Institute student receives outstanding achievement award
University of Melbourne’s student Bridget Fisher received the 2022 Roy and Iris Simmons Award for her outstanding work as part of her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Doherty Institute.
The Biological Sciences have always been a source of great inspiration for Ms Fisher. Prior to enrolling in the Bachelor of Science, she completed a medical placement in Tanzania and was moved by the impact that HIV/AIDS continues to have on communities.
“Thanks to many expert lecturers at The University of Melbourne - who each inspired me uniquely to pursue a career in academic research - I went on to be an Honours student in Professor Sharon Lewin's Laboratory in 2022,” Ms Fisher said.
There, I joined a group that focuses on developing gene technologies and delivery systems and assessing their ability to reverse HIV latency in the context of the shock and kill approach to an HIV cure.
“With the guidance of my supervisors, Dr Michael Roche and Dr Paula Cevaal, we were able to demonstrate potent reactivation of HIV transcription within various cell line models using lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA encoding the HIV Tat protein,” Ms Fisher explained.
Having graduated with an Honours degree, Ms Fisher has now returned as a PhD student to the Lewin Lab at the Doherty Institute. Her research will focus on the further development of this latency reversing agent.
Bridget Fisher at graduation ceremony
“This Award validates my academic achievements during what was a challenging year of hands-on learning,” Ms Fisher said.
“The recognition has inspired me to continue to work hard towards my goals and give back to both the community and industry. The financial support entrusted to me also provides me invaluable freedom to continue to serve Australia as an infantry soldier without compromise to my PhD candidacy.”