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Student to work at famous research institute
It is one of the top research institutions in the world, and for the next six months, it will be home for University of the Sunshine Coast research student Nubia Ramos.
Nubia, a PhD candidate researching the genetic makeup of E. coli bacteria, has been invited to spend six months working at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, continuing her research into the affect of oestrogen on E. coli and the impacts on instances of urinary tract infections.
Nubia, 24, said her trip would provide a valuable extension to her studies at USC.
“This trip is very important to my PhD studies as it will complement the work that I have been doing here at USC,” she said. “I have already published two joint papers with this group and hopefully this trip will lead to more joint publications during my PhD program.”
“Urinary tract infection is highly prevalent in the world, affecting mostly women with around 175 million cases per year. Due to this high incidence, it is very important we learn more about the disease and potential treatment.
“My supervisor Dr Mohammad Katouli worked at the Karolinska Institute prior to coming to USC and has continued to collaborate with researchers in Sweden over the last 10 years. My trip will be one of these collaborative works, working with Professor Annelie Brauner in her research group.”
While her stay will bring the expected culture shocks – leaving an Australian summer for the Swedish winter, for one – Nubia will have the opportunity to work alongside some 2,100 other doctoral students.
“The Karolinska Institute is world-renowned and is responsible for choosing the Nobel Prize winner and awarding the prize each year,” Nubia said.
“I am looking forward to working in such a large, world-class research facility and also to bringing the knowledge I gain back to USC.”
— Nathan Woulfe