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:

• Samara Roy, Master of Science (BioSciences), University of Melbourne

Samara Roy

Master of Science (BioSciences)
University of Melbourne
Awarded on 15/04/2025

My name is Samara and I’m in my first year of my Master of Science (Biosciences) doing a genetics project on neural regeneration in zebrafish. 

This award is totally unexpected, and I am so appreciative. I work part- time whilst studying full-time to support myself during my degree. This
is a very challenging situation and leaves me with very little free time, however, I continue to persevere because of how much I enjoy my studies. 

I stumbled across a genetics class in my Bachelor of Biomedicine and immediately found it equal parts challenging and rewarding. The way you have to use your brain in genetics is so exciting for me. I absolutely love genetics; I adored studying it during my undergraduate degree and I hope to continue to do a PhD at the University of Melbourne after my Master degree. Essentially, I would like to spend the rest of my life studying, researching or teaching genetics. 

“Thank you so much, I cannot put into words how much of a difference $5,000 makes to my financial situation, allowing me to focus more on my research.”

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