CPC Summer Research Scholarships: Q&A with Zoe Zhang
Working with the support of her supervisors Drs Lister and Jebeile and Dr Lene Seidler, alongside the EDIT Collaboration (Eating Disorders In weight-related Therapies) research team, Zoe delved into the complex relationship between weight management interventions and eating disorder outcomes.
Zoe Zhang, Charles Perkins Centre Summer Research Scholar 2023
The Charles Perkins Centre Summer Research Scholarship program provides a rare opportunity for University of Sydney students to undertake paid multidisciplinary research with leading academics in our world-class facilities.
Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, successful candidates develop research skills over eight weeks of research, gain experience, and contribute to finding real-world solutions to chronic diseases and their related conditions.
We talk to Zoe Zhang, recipient of a Charles Perkins Centre Summer Research Scholarship 2023, about the program.
Were you a Charles Perkins Centre member/collaborator prior to being awarded a Summer Research Scholarship?
Not at the time but I now have an ongoing relationship with colleagues at the Centre.
How did you go about preparing your application? / Did you speak to an academic or one of your peers to help you prepare your application?
After attending a guest lecture about the program, I discussed with my supervisors potential projects they had in mind for further research and I then explored the literature surrounding those topics to identify which ideas aligned best with my interests. I continued to liaise with my supervisors through emails, and they were incredibly helpful in clarifying any questions I had about the research and application process.
Had the questions of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease been on your radar in any of your studies prior to applying for the Summer Research Scholarship?
Yes, these topics were highly relevant to my studies in nutrition and dietetics, aligning well with my degree and areas of interest. I saw this as an opportunity to really explore my degree and research interests in a professional setting with incredible supervision. I’m particularly interested in how nutrition and dietetic interventions can assist in the treatment and management of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How did it feel to be accepted into the program?
It was very exciting to be accepted into the program and I felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and contribute to meaningful research alongside such impressive academics.
I have continued to work with the EDIT team as a research assistant during my university breaks, which allows me to contribute to ongoing research, supporting my career goals.
Tell us a bit about the logistics of starting work eg when you commenced, how long your days were, how long was your project, were you based at the Charles Perkins Centre?
I started in mid-November and finished at the end of January. My project lasted eight weeks, with flexible full-time hours of approximately seven hours a day, adjusted as needed with my supervisors. The project times were flexible as I took some time off during the Christmas/New Year break. I was based at the University of Sydney's campus at Westmead Hospital.
What was it like working with academic supervisors on a brand-new research project?
It was challenging but very exciting as there were a lot of learning opportunities. Despite a steep learning curve as I was not previously well-versed with the statistical programs or research methods needed for the project, it was really rewarding and not as daunting as I thought. I felt very supported by my academic supervisors and the wider EDIT team throughout the program and have gained invaluable knowledge and experience in research. Working at Westmead, I was also able to join events hosted by the university for researchers, like morning tea networking events, conferences and cultural competence workshops which provided diverse and interesting insights into working in the research field.
This was a truly transformative and enriching experience, and I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance from my supervisors Natalie Lister, Hiba Jebeile, and Lene Seidler, as well as the wider EDIT research team. Their mentorship was pivotal in shaping my research journey.
Were there any outcomes from your project eg a paper, a study, clinical trial, extended research project (or potential for any of these)?
The findings and method from my project may potentially be used in a paper which is really exciting for me and my career.
Will you continue with any part of the research project for the next phase of your academic/working career?
Following my scholarship, I have continued to work with the EDIT team as a research assistant during my university breaks, which allows me to contribute to ongoing research, supporting my career goals.
What next for you – work, further study, travel?
I plan to work as a clinical dietitian and pursue further research opportunities in the future. I am also looking forward to travelling after graduation, with trips planned to Japan and Tasmania!
Will you maintain any ties with the Charles Perkins Centre, professional, friends
I’m really looking forward to maintaining my ties with the Charles Perkins Centre. I’ve met many intelligent peers and will be staying in contact with my supervisors and the wider research team as I continue my work with the EDIT team.
What advice would you give to fellow students thinking about applying for a Summer Research Scholarship?
I would advise fellow students to apply if they are interested in developing research skills and exploring the research field. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, make valuable connections and the program can definitely help you moving forward in your academic and professional journey. I also think researching topics you might be interested in would be really helpful to ensure you work on a project you’d enjoy and will provide more depth to your research proposal. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions as that is the best way to learn in research!