Researchers from The University of Western Australia who are studying fats in the brain to better understand diseases and developing multi-dimensional models to optimise cancer research are among 17 students from around Australia to be awarded Westpac Future Leader Scholarships.

Scholarship recipient Kelly MacKinnon, 26, who is commencing her PhD at UWA’s School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, said the award didn’t just support research, but also instilled self-confidence. 

“Being among a network of excellent scholars will make a phenomenal difference over the next few years and I’m immensely excited to make the most of it,” Ms MacKinnon said.

UWA PhD student Kelly MacKinnon has been awarded a 2021 Westpac Future Leader Scholarship

The West Leederville resident completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in physics and science communication, and Master in Medical Physics with Distinction at UWA last year.

Ms MacKinnon will study high-quality data from in-house cancer research, analysing factors that have the greatest impact on tumour kill to determine which cancer treatments have the most potential for success.

“This will involve building a mathematical model, but also a visual and architectural model of the tumour to gain an insight into important factors affecting treatment delivery and efficacy,” she said.

“Modelling has the potential to save time, money and resources in the exploratory phase of cancer treatment without compromising the safety and efficacy of the final result.”

Ms MacKinnon is also passionate about education and has been tutoring and teaching for almost a decade.

“My favourite thing is getting to see students thrive after they’ve finished school, and I feel privileged to be a part of their journey.”

UWA PhD student Somayra Mamsa, from Nollamara, said the scholarship recognised many years of hard work and achievement.

“It’s also an extraordinary investment in the work we aspire to do over the next few years, and the long-term impact it could have,” Ms Mamsa said.

“Fat molecules play a very important role in human health, and are influential in disease processes such as Alzheimer’s, but we currently lack the tools required to fully understand them.”

Somayra Mamsa

The 22-year-old Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) graduate, who is completing her PhD at UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences, is developing and applying new tools to study fats in the brain.

“Fat molecules play a very important role in human health, and are influential in disease processes such as Alzheimer’s, but we currently lack the tools required to fully understand them,” Ms Mamsa said.

More than half of solid matter in the brain is comprised of fats, and future research is expected to offer substantial insights into their role in neurological health and disease.

“My research will focus on developing and applying advanced chemical imaging methods, using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry tools.”

Ms Mamsa will conduct part of her studies using an advanced scientific instrument called a nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS), within UWA’s Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis laboratory, which is the only facility in Australia with access to the technology.

UWA PhD student Somayra Mamsa will take advantage of UWA's nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS).

“Outside of research, I have a passion for teaching and STEM education, and am a mentor at She Codes, which is an organisation that teaches women to code and inspires them to consider careers in science and technology.”

Ms Mamsa also works at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research’s BioDiscovery Centre, teaching high school students and community groups across a range of programs in biotechnology and medical research.

Westpac Future Leader Scholarships, awarded by the Westpac Scholars Trust recognise outstanding Australians who are determined to find creative new ways to solve problems facing our communities. 

Valued at up to $120,000, the scholarships enable Masters and PhD students to pursue their research, as well as connect them to a network of individuals who share their passion and drive to help shape a better future.

More information about 2021 Westpac Future Leader Scholarships is available on the Westpac Scholars Trust website.