The Functional Grains Centre is pleased to support the work of Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) Honours research students.

Let’s meet some of them.

Haben Melke

Charles Sturt Bachelor of Science (Honours) student Mr Haben Melke is investigating the anti-cancer properties of protein hydrolysate from lupin via their impact on cancer causing pathways.

He completed undergraduate studies in medical science in the University of Tasmania and Charles Sturt University.

Mr Melke worked as a medical scientist in Dorevitch Pathology prior to joining the Functional Grains Centre. His Honours research is supported by a Graham Centre scholarship.

Gideon Kang

Bachelor of Science (Honours) student Mr Gideon Kang is investigating the effect of coloured-rice polyphenols on the gene expression associated with Beta-cell dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Previous research has confirmed the blood glucose lowering effects of polyphenols on T2DM. But it’s not clear if coloured rice varieties can modulate the genetic expression in dysfunctional beta cells.

“This research is very exciting as it has the potential to help T2DM management using coloured rice as a dietary intervention,” Mr Kang said.

Mr Kang attained a Graduate Certificate in Medical Science (Pathology) at Charles Sturt in 2018, and he has worked as a Medical Scientist at Dorevitch Pathology in 2015 and as a technical officer at Latrobe University 2019.

His Honours research is supported by a Graham Centre scholarship.