Kevin was part of the inaugural Melbourne Amgen Scholars Program cohort in 2020. Since the program, he has continued to pursue a research career. He graduated with a Master of Research in 2022 and is currently a PhD candidate in glycomics and glycoproteomics at Macquarie University.
His experience in the Amgen Scholars Program gave Kevin insight and invaluable skills that he’s utilised in his ongoing research. Kevin says, “Working with Prof Gavin Reid in the lipidomics field also increased my interest in expanding my knowledge in the -omics research to other areas, including glycomics and glycoproteomics. During my time at ASP, I strengthened a lot of lab skills that I had not had a chance to get my hands on during my Undergraduate studies. In addition, I was grateful to be exposed and make connections with plenty of academics as well as people working in the industry, which is helpful for developing my career as a research scientist.”
Reflecting on the program, Kevin says he would recommend the program to any potential applicants after his experience: “I would highly recommend everyone to apply for this program as this is going to a lifetime experience that you are never going to forget. What would be greater than spending two months in Melbourne doing the things you love and making connections with other scholars sharing the same interests as you? The Amgen Scholars Program is a great experience to be exposed to the research and academic world.”
Kevin has gone on to receive multiple scholarships and awards in the few years since he attended ASP, including, most recently, the University Medal for Chemistry and Biomolecular Science. He continues to work with the Analytical Glycoimmunology Team at Macquarie University.