Genetics and molecular biology whiz, Dr Phillip Doughty, has recently joined the technical team on Science Road. Dr Phil was born and raised in the UK and completed his PhD in 2001 at the University of East Anglia. His next step was to the University of Sussex where he undertook research on stress and transcription looking at Streptomyces coelicolor.

In 2010 Phillip began teaching in England and then moved onto teaching in Nepal! He began at the School of Biological Sciences in October as Technical Officer (Teaching Support), with a focus on molecular biology. “The role is an interesting one with new technical and organisational challenges for me” said Phillip.” I love living in Sydney and the University has a lively campus and an international reputation that I'm proud to contributor to.”

Alumna of the School of Biological Sciences, Dr Adele Haythornwaite, should already be a familiar face to most. But for those who are un-familiar, it is with great pleasure that we re-welcome Adele into her new role as research assistant with Professor Mats Olsson. “I'm delighted to be asked to join the Olsson lab, and to be back in SoBS,” said Adele. “I have really enjoyed catching up with many friends and former colleagues.”

Adele completed her bachelor’s degree at Reading University in the UK and then moved to Australia to complete a PhD with Professor Chris Dickman. Her thesis, which she completed in 2005, looked at the foraging ecology of dasyurids in the Simpson Desert. “This was quite a busy time, as I had three kids while I was doing my PhD, which slows you down somewhat” said Adele. After her PhD, she worked in Professor Rick Shine’s group until the end of 2010.

In addition to her research work, Adele is currently on the council of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW – an organisation which is holding a Grumpy Scientists forum at the Zoo this Saturday. See here for more information.

The postgraduate research showcase is on again on Thursday 8th November! This event showcases the abundant student talent in the School and allows for some constructive feedback to the students about their work. Please come and support our budding scientists. In addition, the postgraduate excellence prize will be announced at the conclusion of the showcase. RSVP to Joanna Malyon joanna.malyon@sydney.edu.au.

Annual postgraduate review (APR) interviews will commence the week starting the 12th November. Students and supervisors, please ensure you know when and where your interview is taking place.

And finally, honours theses for semester one students have now been submitted, yay! The School examiners meeting to ratify these marks will take place at 2pm on Thursday 15th November. Examiners, if this important meeting is not already in your calendar, please add it!

On October 24th, the first in the series of lectures held as part of the 50th birthday celebrations, took place. Associate Professor Min Chen gave an insightful and interesting talk about light and photosynthesis. The audience was a mixture of members of the university, school children and the general public and the intimate nature of the Macleay Museum space ensured a lively question time.

Don’t miss out on the next in the series, given by Associate Professor Dieter Hochuli on Sydney’s past, present and future ecology. This lecture is free but RSVP to biorsvp@sydney.edu.au is essential.

An audit of the School’s work health and safety processes took place on 23 October. Many thanks to those who participated. The audit showed that we have good systems in place. Feedback will be given as soon as it is available.
The safety committee will continue to inspect laboratories and continue to help and offer advice on chemical safety and storage.