A Griffith University doctor who hopes to prevent sight loss in rural and remote communities in Australia will head to University of Oxford after winning a prestigious World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship.
Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (First Class Honours) graduate Dr Grace Borchert will join 30 others named as scholars for 2022.
Dr Grace Borchert.
Dr Borchert will undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Neuroscience at Oxford, researching to restore sight using gene therapy for macular degeneration.
“Inspired by the humanitarian work of the late Fred Hollows, I hope to improve sight,” Dr Borchert said.
“Vision is so incredibly important.
“This will build a firm foundation for an academic and clinical career in ophthalmology.
“This will allow me to serve those with impaired vison and improve their quality of life in the future.”
During her time at Griffith, Dr Borchert took part in Griffith’s Rural Medical Education Australia Longlook Program and spent time working for Royal Flying Doctors Service, based in Mt Isa, and the Lions Outback Vision, a Western Australian ophthalmology outreach service.
“To see with my own eyes the challenges to access health care, distances travelled and limited resources yet critical need for such services has had a significant impact on my vision,” she said.
“It’s time to switch the light on, turn up the brightness and focus on the current research for the future of improving sight.”
“I’m so grateful for the support of Griffith University, Griffith Honours College, Griffith mentors and friends who have paved this path to Oxford to take sight-restoring treatment a step further.”
Michael Connors.
Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Education alumnus Michael Connors also received a St John’s College, Annapolis, Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship for study of the Master of Arts in the Liberal Arts, as well as participation in an internship program in Washington DC.
“I seek a greater understanding of the heritage of Western Civilisation, and to learn from organisations which promote the ideas which are fundamental to the success of society,” Mr Connors said.
“I hope to contribute to the establishment of Australian institutions which promote the study of Western Civilisation from an Australian perspective, and which advocate for classical education in the Liberal Arts, primarily through a Great Books curriculum.”
Griffith Honours Collegehelps students and past students apply for prestigious opportunities to further their academic careers, providing support through the application process.
For more information about the various scholarship opportunities, including New Colombo Plan, Rhodes Scholarship, Fulbright and Cambridge scholarships, among many others, headonline.
