They’re ambitious, innovative and highly intelligent – and they’re set to soon graduate from their chosen fields of study and launch careers that will inspire and change the world.
In the coming weeks we will profile 16 female graduates to watch in 2014 who are leading the next generation of female talent in science, medicine, law, business and research. They answer our questions on everything from what they hope to achieve in their careers, what inspires them and the challenges they anticipate they will face in their careers.
Inspired by the invention of the cochlear ear implant, today’s graduate Willo Grosse hopes to assist epilepsy sufferers through her PhD research into the design of a sophisticated bionic drug delivery device for epilepsy treatment. While there are plenty of anti-epileptic drugs available, their side effects can be debilitating, and Groose is adamant there must be a better way to help the quality of life of epilepsy suffers. She says she’ll consider herself successful when she delivers a ‘gadget’ that can improve somebody’s quality of life.
What degree are you studying and at which university?
Doctor of Philosophy in Nanobionics, University of Wollongong
How do you hope the results of your PhD project will be used?
The goal of my PhD project was to design a sophisticated bionic drug delivery device for the treatment of epilepsy. Bioelectrodes that work off blood sugars, like glucose, provide power to a polymer drug reservoir, making it release anti-epilepsy drugs on cue. The idea is to have this device implanted in the brain so it can deliver drugs directly to the focus (the part of the brain where the seizure is most intense) in response to seizure activity. It is also of interest to use fuel naturally replenished by the body to power the device to avoid battery replacement brain surgery further down the track. There is a suite of anti-epileptic drugs that are extremely effective at suppressing seizures however; their use is restricted due to debilitating side effects. If we can develop novel drug release methods to deliver the drugs directly to the brain and in very small doses, these side effects may be minimised, and ideally, eliminated. This could allow epilepsy sufferers to lead a relatively normal life.
When do you plan on finishing your studies?
I’m submitting my thesis in July 2013 and I’m pretty excited about it!
How old are you?
26
Why did you choose to go into this field?
I was originally inspired by the cochlear ear implant after hearing Professor Graeme Clark speak to a public audience about advancements in the field. In the audience were a handful of implant recipients whose life had been changed by the development of the bionic device. To hear their story was nothing more than moving and I made it a personal goal to contribute to a field of science that was actually making a difference. Imagine the job satisfaction you would get when you hear that you changed someone’s life!
What do you want to achieve in your career?
I want to make a difference. I will consider myself successful when the ‘gadget’ that I make, or contribute to, can improve someone’s quality of life. I want to be a mentor and role model for young scientists trying to find their feet because I love working with people and am passionate about innovating quality and useful science.
What are the biggest challenges you face in trying to reach these goals?
In general, innovation of medical devices is very challenging, but not impossible. Personally, I face the challenges of gaining work experience so that I can effectively translate my ideas to commercial value. I need to learn how a successful company operates and what are the key business elements to adopt if I were to start my own company.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?
Hopefully doing something worthwhile, interesting and challenging.
Who do you admire most?
I admire Ellen Degeneres because she makes people happy, she dances a lot and she helps out those less fortunate than herself. I also admire my parents, who are both primary school principals, because they are absolutely passionate about what they do. I admire people who pursue the passion in their lives.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
When I decided that I wanted to do science, my teacher advised me not to because I wasn’t strong in maths or science. I vividly remember my mum when we walked away from that meeting. She said that I could do whatever I wanted to do and to not let anyone ever tell me that I wasn’t good enough. That day I learned to respect and back myself and it was the best advice I have ever received. Thanks mum!