The Foundation established an additional award in 2005 at the University of Melbourne to be presented at the faculty of Science annual Dean’s Awards function. Named the John A McKenzie / Selby Scientific Foundation Award it provides continuing recognition of Professor McKenzie’s seven years of distinguished service as Dean of the Faculty.

Awarded to a student who has completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine, and is pursuing one of the following: a research training program in the Master of Science, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science or the final year of the degree of Bachelor of Science with honours or Bachelor of Biomedicine with honours, in the Department of Genetics.

The Foundation congratulates this year's award winner:

• Natasha Jablonsky, Bachelor of Science (Honours)
  School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne

Natasha Jablonsky

Bachelor of Science (Honours)
School of BioSciences
University of Melbourne
Awarded on 25/03/2024

I am so immensely grateful to have received this award,and for my efforts to have been recognised by the scientificcommunity here at the University of Melbourne. Receiving thisaward was incredibly encouraging, and will undoubtedly helpmotivate me throughout the rest of my studies.

I am currently an honours student within the University ofMelbourne, studying algal evolutionary genetics. My currentproject aims to uncover the phylogeny of a diverse genus ofgreen algae called Codium, in order to study the evolution ofits thermal niche over time, and to set it up as a model speciesfor thermal niche studies. I chose this project due to mypassion for evolution and genetics, which was largely inspiredby my classes during my Bachelor’s degree.

I hope to pursue a PhD after my honours year in a similar field,and to continue to work within academia.

I am incredibly lucky to have the continued opportunity to study here, and I am beyond grateful to have recieved this show of support. Thank you

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