Name: Forough Ataollahi

Supervisors: Dr Marie Bhanugopan, Professor Michael Friend, Dr Shawn McGrath, Dr Andrew Peters and Dr Geoff Dutton

Thesis title:

Maternal mineral supplementation during gestation and lactation and its effect on lamb’s immunity and general health of ewes

Funding body:

Charles Sturt University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (CSUPRS) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)

Career and studies till now:

2004-2011: Doctorate of Veterinary Science-Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

2011-2015: Research Assistant, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2013-2015: Master of Biomedical science, University of Malaya, kualaLumpur, Malaysia

2017-2018: Women Officer, Council of International Students Australia

2015-current: PhD candidate, CSU, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Currently studying:

Doctorate of Philosophy- Veterinary Physiology

Research Interests:

Veterinary physiology, veterinary immunology and ruminant nutrition

A typical day for me includes:

This can vary, as most researchers would know. Last year I was busy with fieldwork and laboratory work, but this year, it is only thesis writing.

After university, I spend an hour walking and then have a Skype chat with my parents who are back in Iran.

My main project at the moment is:

I have finished all the field work and lab work of my PhD project and now my main focus is my thesis to get it done on time.

My favourite part of my studies is:

I honestly enjoyed both field work (feeding ewes and sample collection) and laboratory work of my study. It was quite exciting for me to do the laboratory work to evaluate the effect of the supplementation on the animal, and realising that I am working on something that can improve a part of the sheep industry.

When I am not studying I enjoy:

Cooking, family picnics, catching up with friends and Zumba dance

When I am driving I like to listen to:

Many different types of music, English or Persian music. Mainly I listen to the news when I am driving, as I do not normally get time to check the news during the day.