Cadetship leads to something bigger

Noranda university student Thomas Iosifidis has gained more from his summer holiday job than most.  Thomas has just completed a vacation cadetship with the Lung Institute of WA which has lead to him being offered a year long Honours scholarship with the Institute. 

This summer was the second time Thomas was chosen to participate in the Institute’s program which offers exceptional science and medical undergraduate students the opportunity to gain paid experience in a research setting.  The Institute was delighted Thomas applied to do a cadetship for a second time and that he will continue to pursue his interest in respiratory research in 2011.

For his Honours project Thomas will be undertaking a study which will investigate the causes of lung fibrosis, a condition where lung tissue loses its ability to stretch and contract with each breath.  Lung fibrosis is a symptom of a range of diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and asbestosis.  Thomas said his goal was to pursue a career in medical research focusing on lung diseases in particular.

“I have always had a fascination with searching for answers to problems and in high school I became interested in medical research.  The two cadetships I have undertaken with LIWA have provided me with great exposure to respiratory research and I would be really pleased to keep working in this area,” he said.
Director of LIWA Prof Philip Thompson said that all at the Institute were very pleased a student of Thomas’ calibre was choosing to pursue respiratory research at a post-graduate level. 

“Our goal with the cadetships is to encourage talented students to pursue a career in medical research.  It is vital for the future of medical research in Australia to continue to attract bright and enthusiastic individuals such as Thomas can make a significant contribution to our understanding and treatment of lung diseases,” Prof Thompson said.