Meet Laura Dowling
BBioMedSc (Hons 1) DipLang (French) (UON)
Why did you join the University Council?
I nominated for the Postgraduate Student Member of the University Council to serve my student community, by advocating for their interests and contributing to decisions that prioritise outstanding student experience, whilst making decisions in the best interest of the University. My focus is on strengthening our academic and research culture, promoting safe and ethical practices, and ensuring researchers have the resources to adapt to evolving funding challenges.
What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?
When reflecting on my education, I am grateful to my parents for fostering opportunities to expand my breadth of knowledge and skills. My mother especially nurtured my love of music through classical training in piano and violin and seeking opportunities to play in symphony orchestras at the Conservatorium. These experiences, along with various cultural and sporting pursuits, sparked my lifelong enthusiasm for learning and personal growth.
Biography
Laura Dowling is a final year PhD candidate within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, investigating the potential of gut microbial metabolites to modulate the immune response in chronic respiratory conditions. Laura completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours Class I) and Diploma of Languages (French) at the University of Newcastle, prior to commencing her Doctor of Philosophy.
Laura has been an active member of the University during her studies, elected as the HDR representative on the Academic Senate, the College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing Board, and the HDR Management Committee with the Dean of Graduate Research, as well as serving on the executive of the Hunter Medical Research Institute Student Society and the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Early Career Researcher Association.
Laura was awarded the 2023 University of Newcastle Leadership Excellence Award for championing professional development opportunities for early career researchers within her school and beyond to enhance their success. Laura is also the current Australian Graduate Women Barbara Hale Fellow, winning a national competitive research grant to characterise the plasma metabolome of people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Given her biomedical science background, Laura has interests in the pathophysiology of disease and how modifiable behaviours like diet and exercise can improve health outcomes. Laura also has interests in health literacy, healthcare equity and social justice within the healthcare system.
Laura works as a research assistant and sessional academic at the University of Newcastle, researching post-stroke rehabilitation interventions and teaching undergraduate biomedical science courses such as clinical exercise physiology and nutritional biochemistry.
In her down time, Laura enjoys practicing pilates, swimming, playing the piano or violin, reading, cooking, fishing with her partner or playing a boardgame with her family.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.