Scholarship Recipient Making Headlines for Science Research
Alumnus Chrystal Moore (Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies, 2016) is a Shaping Futures Scholarship recipient now making a difference in her dream job.
We caught up with Chrystal to see how a Scholarship influenced her studies and beyond.
How did you go from studying journalism at the University of Newcastle to working at the biomedical research organisation, the Bionics Institute?
I always imagined myself as a writer. In my first year of university, I volunteered for a wildlife and habitat conservation trip to South Africa. My job was to collect zebra droppings for PhD students! Somewhere amongst the flies and the heatstroke, I fell in love with research. I knew then I wanted to be a science communicator.
Receiving the scholarship was the first time I’d ever experienced the complete kindness of strangers. It has inspired me to give back.” - Chrystal Moore, Communications Officer at Australian Clinical Trials Alliance
You are now Communications Officer at the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance. What is the best part of your job?
I love engaging with the media to raise the profile of researchers and promote Australian science. Sharing medical breakthroughs from our researchers working to repair hearing loss – currently an untreatable condition – was a highlight from last year.
How has the Shaping Futures Scholarship influenced your life beyond graduation?
Without the philanthropic support from the scholarship, I wouldn’t have graduated. I was studying full time and working as much as possible to support myself financially. The pressure was immense, and I was about to quit. Instead, here I am – working in an industry I want to be in, in a role I’m passionate about. I am truly grateful.
What are your plans for the next year?
I’m looking forward to gaining more experience. Being able to support scientific discovery and translate its impact for the real world is exactly where I want to be. I have also enrolled in a Masters program of Environment and Sustainability to continue my education.
Share your story
Are you an alumnus who benefited from the assistance of a scholarship? Let us know your story by emailing donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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.