University of Newcastle nuclear medicine student, Jack Berry is destined for New York to chase his dream of becoming an oncology researcher.
The third year Nuclear Medicine student has been selected as the only Australian to receive a scholarship from Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited to attend the Molecular Imaging Summer Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre.
The 10-week research program offers undergraduate interns practical, laboratory-based experience to develop their skills and address biomedically-focused research questions.
Jack will have the opportunity to participate in independent research projects in a pharmaceutical lab working under the mentorship of Dr Jason Lewis – a world-renowned Radiochemist.
Driven by an ambition to one day research and develop nuclear medicine theranostics for individualised cancer treatment, Jack explains he was drawn towards a career path where he could serve others.
“I came to the realisation that the best life I can live is developing my skills to service others and to pursue a pathway to oncology research.”
Participation in the Molecular Imaging Summer Program offers a valuable networking platform for undergraduates to maximise future research collaboration opportunities.
Jack said the program, which immerses students in research science including journal clubs, scientific lectures and professional development seminars, fitted perfectly with his educational aspirations.
“I’m looking forward to gaining an insight into what a research career will look like and developing very practical skills over the course of the 10 weeks at one of the top research facilities for nuclear medicine in the world.”
The University of Newcastle offers world-class facilities and a $1.5 million on-campus radiopharmacy laboratory – the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, to equip students like Jack with the skills to succeed.
Jack will fly to New York in June to commence the program, marking his first time travelling abroad independently. For a culturally enriched experience and to connect with his family heritage, Jack has elected to stay in a Caribbean community in Queens, New York.
IMAGE | Third year Nuclear Medicine student, Jack Berry.
