The Functional Grains Centre provides opportunities for students to undertake Honours research projects, working closely with our scientists.

Let’s meet some of them.

Jack Murphy

Charles Sturt Bachelor of Science (Honours) student Jack Murphy is investigating the effect of rice processing on the digestibility of rice starch in vivo.

His research is particularly focused on the variety Reiziq and involves a clinical trial to compare the in vivo digestibility of rice that has been processed in different ways; brown (wholegrain) rice, white (de-hulled) rice, and retorted rice (that is rice that is cooked and allowed to cool).

“It has been a steep learning curve so far but I am enjoying finding out what it takes to be a researcher and developing new skills,” Mr Murphy said.

“I am looking forward to the challenges and experiences of the rest of the journey.”

Mr Murphy has also participated in the 2019 Rice Industry Field Day, held at Old Coree near Jerilderie. He is pictured with PhD students Michelle Toutounji, Nancy Saji, Esther Callcott, Shiwangni Rao and Jack Murphy (photo courtesy of AgriFutures Australia and RGA)

“This was actually my first time on a rice farm. I learnt a lot about rice, how it is grown, who grows it, and the challenges faced by the industry.

“It was a good experience that provided me with a better understanding of the crop and broadened my understanding of my own project,” Mr Murphy said.

Mr Murphy was awarded an Honours scholarship by the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, read more here.

Heidi Bochenek

Charles Sturt Honours student Heidi Bochenek completed an undergraduate degree in Medical Science, with

a specialisation in Pathology in 2018.

“I developed a strong passion for research during my degree and through volunteering as lab assistant.

Ms Bochenek’s Honours research is focusing on the anti-cancer effects of Chickpea water and Chickpea phenolic extracts on colorectal cancer cells.

“It combines my two research passions; cancer research and natural products and therapies,” she said. “I hope to pursue a career in research and continue on to complete a PhD”.

Borkwei Ed Nignpense

Charles Sturt Honours research student Borkwei Ed Nignpense grew up in Ghana, West Africa and migrated to Australia in 2008.

He has a degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Tasmania and has worked as a multidisciplinary medical scientist at the Dorevitch pathology lab in the South West Healthcare in Warrnambool Victoria before joining the FGC.

“My project is looking at the impact that polyphenols from black sorghum extracts have on platelet aggregation and the generation of microparticles from platelets,” Mr Nignpense said.

“I’ve been collecting blood from healthy volunteers to evaluate if sorghum extracts inhibit the aggregation of platelets in whole blood in vitro.