Medical student is SA's top young achiever
 Obstetrics & Gynaecology
A University of Adelaide graduate has been named the 2006 South Australian Young Achiever of the Year - the third successive graduate of the University to win this prestigious award. Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri, 25, of Para Hills West, was awarded the honour last month for her work investigating the growth and function of the placenta in pregnancy. Her groundbreaking research, which is laying the foundation for future therapies, is designed to stimulate placental development and improve pregnancy outcomes. Winners were announced at a special function at the Hilton Hotel last month for each of the eight categories, including science and technology, outstanding young indigenous achiever, the arts, regional initiative, the environment, sports, career achievement and community service. Amanda said she was not expecting to win the science and technology category, sponsored by the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Sciences, but was merely honoured to be a finalist. "I really hope to inspire others with this award," she said. "Regardless of your career choice, I believe that you need to seek out the opportunities to succeed in life because 'luck' will only get you so far. You can achieve your dreams if you persevere." Amanda completed a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours and is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Adelaide under the supervision of Dr Claire Roberts from the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. As previously outlined in the June 2004 edition of the Adelaidean,Amanda has been investigating the mechanisms that govern the growth and function of the placenta, which feeds the growing baby. "Failed placenta development causes many pregnancy complications for which there are currently no treatments," she said. "These complications include miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature birth, fetal growth restriction and still births. All of these can threaten the life of the mother and the baby," she said. "My research work shows that certain hormones can stimulate placental function and fetal growth and improve pregnancy outcomes." Amanda praised the University of Adelaide for its outstanding research facilities and thanked the Obstetrics and Gynaecology discipline for its support. Dr Roberts said Amanda's research work had been recognised internationally for its excellence. "The fact that she has presented 15 papers at conferences reflects her dedication to high quality research and scientific communication,"
Dr Roberts said. Amanda is heading to Boston on May 5 for a six-week world-renowned course to learn more about the latest scientific technologies in her field. In 2007 she hopes to attend Cambridge University to gain experience, which will enable her to establish her own research laboratory on her return to Australia. Other finalists in the science and technology category, both graduates of the University of Adelaide, included Danny Eckert for his work on sleep disorders and respiratory diseases, and aerospace engineer Sarah Crook for her work on
space travel. In addition, University of Adelaide Civil Engineering and Arts graduate Katherine Daniell was the winner of the environment category, receiving the SA Water Environment Award. The 2005 South Australian Young Achiever of the Year was Mr Patrick Lim, an Honours graduate from the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide. Patrick was recognised for his contribution to the arts as a performer and a leader. In 2004, the first year the awards were run in this form, University of Adelaide graduate and Life Impact star Dr Erin Symonds was recognised for her medical research work in developing non-invasive breath testing for gastro-intestinal disease sufferers. Story by Candy Gibson
|
