Regional town scientist shaping the future of sustainable chemistry thanks to scholarship support
Growing up in a small country town didn’t stop chemistry PhD candidate Tayla Wilsdon from dreaming big.
PhD student Tayla Wilsdon
During her undergraduate studies in South Australia, Tayla participated in the University of Melbourne’s Amgen Scholars Program – a prestigious program hosted by select universities around the world to give undergraduate students hand-on lab experience.
“As an Amgen Scholar, I completed a two-month research project with the Polyzos Group in the School of Chemistry and loved it. The project inspired me to pursue postgraduate studies in synthetic organic chemistry, and I’ve now returned to the same research group years later as a PhD student,” said Tayla.
“My research is looking at the development of new synthetic methods in organic chemistry driven by photochemistry and electrochemistry, which are often more efficient and environmentally friendly methods of promoting chemical bonds.”
“I hope the research will contribute to more sustainable production of pharmaceuticals globally at an industrial level.”
Tayla is a PhD student in the Polyzos Group that specialises in synthetic organic chemistry
Tayla’s move from country South Australia to pursue her PhD in Melbourne was a step out of her comfort zone, but she says it led to personal growth.
“The best experiences in life so far have been ones where I’ve felt uncomfortable at first, like moving to Melbourne on my own. But they’ve all turned out to be incredible experiences. I encourage other students to push their comfort zone levels to try new things.”
In 2023, Tayla was awarded a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship that supports study expenses, travel and provides year-long leadership development training.
“The Westpac Scholarship is an amazing opportunity to not only develop research skills throughout my PhD, but also learn how to become a better leader and project my career onto the best possible path,” said Tayla.
“I’m so grateful to have received these opportunities.”
Tayla’s tips on applying for scholarships? “It sounds cliché, but my advice is to be yourself. People connect with the person, not just achievements listed on a piece of paper. Don’t be afraid to show who you are, your goals, what motivates you, and even your areas of weakness. This is what makes you stand out!”
Tayla commenced her PhD in 2023 under the supervision of Associate Professor Anastasios Polyzos.