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 the elected postgraduate student member of the University of Newcastle Council and was re-elected for the 2026 term. Laura brings a strong research, teaching and student representation perspective to Council deliberations, with a focus on research excellence, student engagement and inclusive governance.
Laura is a final-year PhD candidate at the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle. Laura's research examines how gut microbial metabolites and nutrition influence immune responses in chronic respiratory conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Laura holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours Class I) and a Diploma of Languages (French) from the University of Newcastle.
In addition to Council, Laura has held governance and advisory roles across the University, including membership of the Academic Senate (2024), the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Board (2024-25), and the HDR Management Committee with the Dean of Graduate Research (2024-25). These roles have supported her contribution to academic governance, policy development and oversight of the higher degree research environment. Laura has also held executive roles within the Hunter Medical Research Institute Student Society and the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Early Career Researcher Association.
Laura's leadership and research contributions have been recognised through the University of Newcastle Leadership Excellence Award (2023) and the Australian Graduate Women Barbara Hale Fellowship (2024). In 2025, Laura was named a finalist for the Ann Woolcock New Investigator Award through the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.
Laura also contributes to the University's core teaching mission, delivering undergraduate education in human bioscience within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. Laura is committed to strengthening governance that supports research excellence, student success, equity and long-term institutional sustainability.
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.