People profile

Please elaborate on your area of special professional interest.

Though I still have a few years to decide, I am definitely interested in working with wildlife in the future - especially with moon bears, and other animals that are subject to inhumane practices. I have always been passionate about working in the area of animal welfare; since young, my desire to protect animals from harm and cruelty has been my motivation for becoming a veterinarian (hence, I am president of the University of Sydney Animal Welfare Society).

What projects have you been working on lately?

In January, I took the opportunity to apply for a $US10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant by submitting a proposal for rabies prevention and eradication in India - the country worst affected by this infectious disease. And, just recently, I was informed that my submission was successful thus I will be travelling to India to implement my plans in July. The criteria required that the project be related to cultivating peace, thus mine does so by dealing with the fearful threat of rabies which communities face. My project addresses the concept of one-health, whereby the health of the community is dependent upon that of its co-existing animals (in this case, stray dogs), as well as addressing the welfare of the dogs.

My plan involves three main courses of action

1. Operation of an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program in Kunnam Village (this method has been proven to reduce numbers of stray dogs and accordingly  incidences of rabies deaths).

2. Implementation of a rabies awareness educational program in local schools throughout the Kanchipuram district, as well as a public awareness day for Kunnam village (education is imperative since rabies is 100% fatal yet 100% preventable, and if basic post-exposure measures are taken, rabies deaths can be avoided).

3. Funding of anti-rabies centres and hospitals in the Kanchipuram district for the provision of rabies supplies such as immunobiologicals - many people die needlessly from bites merely due to lack of available resources at anti-rabies clinics or hospitals in rural areas).

I have also been busy organising events and working on plans for my society, as this year we intend to focus on promoting welfare-friendly food, and addressing the unethical treatment of animals in Asia.

 Any articles/links you would recommend?

The Animals Asia Foundation website and Animals Australia website - they have a lot of information about current welfare issues they are working on locally and internationally. In addition, they provide online petitions (regarding various welfare issues) for signing. I would definitely recommend the Animal Rescue Site - by simply clicking on this daily, you are helping to feed dogs in shelters! Similarly, by filling out an online checklist about your dog’s arthritis at: http://www.milliondogsearch.com/, and selecting Vets Beyond Borders, $1 is donated to this welfare organisation! Also, the USYD Faculty of Veterinary Science have created LIDA - a comprehensive online resource which allows you to look up the various inherited disorders associated with Pedigree breeds and provides information about the pedigree dog issue.

What’s the worst part about your job/research?

The long uni hours and large amount of work that is required for studying this degree!  However, so much of what we learn is totally relevant for our future work, and our lecturers want to produce proficient vets - so when you think about it the hard work is necessary.

When I become a veterinarian, I’ll probably say: having to witness animals die needlessly as a consequence of human ignorance, apathy or greed.

What has been a career/research highlight for you so far?

Definitely receiving this Peace Project grant - I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to travel to India, at this age, to implement my own proposal!

Do you have any advice for students wanting to work in your area?

As a second year student, I don’t have a great deal of wisdom to impart, but I guess I would recommend that you pursue what you’re interested in - join societies which cater for your interests as they may open up future avenues. Seize opportunities which present themselves to you – grants, volunteer work, electives - because you never know where they may lead you!

Favourite place:

Anywhere surrounded by natural scenery and fresh air; the Atherton Tablelands, the Blue Mountains, QLD beaches, even the University’s Camden farms!  I also love just being back at home in Canberra, or my parents’ hometown of Kuching (Malaysia).

If you hadn’t done veterinary science, what would you be doing?

Probably trying to get into Veterinary Science by some other means! Or perhaps pursuing my love of cooking!

Favourite saying/quote:

 “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” ~ Mahatma Gandhi.