Ingham Institute researcher and University of Western Sydney PhD student Grace Micali is a finalist in the 2015 Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year award.
She is one of just four finalists, so has an excellent chance of winning the award.
Ms Micali, 23, of Horningsea Park, works as a volunteer in the Ingham Institute’s Antibiotic Resistance and Mobile Elements Group (ARMEG) at Liverpool Hospital.
She received her nomination as recognition for her extraordinary work investigating and eradicating the superbug ‘Golden Staph’, an important health issue impacting South Western Sydney and Australia at large that the World Health Organisation (WHO) cites as one of the greatest threats to human health today. This includes playing a key role in understanding how antibiotic resistance is maintained and spread in the hospital both from a genetic and clinical outcome perspective.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be named as a finalist for the 2015 Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year award,” Ms Micali said.
“Starting and progressing a career as a young researcher is challenging and competitive so I’m extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to have such a hands-on role with the ARMEG team at the Ingham Institute.
“It is also gratifying to know that the work I’m doing will make a big difference to help eradicate one of the biggest healthcare challenges here in Australia and around the world.’’
An annual awards program, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of women in NSW and celebrates their significant achievements. The Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year award shines the spotlight on NSW women aged between 18-30 who have excelled in their career, studies or community-related efforts.
Ingham Institute ARMEG group leader associate professor Slade Jensen said Ms Micali’s finalist nomination was fully deserved.
“Grace is an extremely talented young researcher and her determination and passion for solving the problems associated with bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics is outstanding,” Mr Jensen said.
“What’s also remarkable is her dedication and devotion to her work tackling a major issue for Western Sydney and wider Australia. During weekdays she does her research and demonstrates practical classes to undergraduate students and on the weekend she works in another job and does further research work in the evening if required,” he said.
NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward said that the 2015 NSW Young Woman of the Year finalists, including Ms Micali, were impressive and deserved recognition for their achievements.
“Each and every one of these amazing women, including Ms Micali, has made immense contributions to the community,” Ms Goward said.
“The high calibre of these nominees made narrowing the list down to four finalists in each category an enormously difficult task for the selection committee.”
The Ingham Institute is celebrating extraordinary women in science like Grace Micali at the second annual Ingham Institute Hope Luncheon on Friday, March 6 at Camden Lakeside Golf & Country Club.
The event aligns with International Women’s Day and highlights and applauds the efforts of the exceptionally talented female researchers working at the Ingham Institute. TV personality Denise Drysdale will be the master of ceremonies at the luncheon, which will also feature Channel 7 Weekend Sunrise co-host Monique Wright as a special guest speaker.
The major sponsor of the luncheon for the second year in a row is Narellan Pools. The event is also supported by event partners Camden Lakeside Golf & Country Club and Robert Oatley Wines. Other sponsors include Absolutely Fabulous Event Decorations, Coutts Solicitors & Conveyancers, D. Vitocco Constructions Pty Ltd, Fitzpatrick Group, In Fine Print, Marsdens Law Group, McGrath Real Estate, Karen Hexton, Sarita’s A Collective Emporium and SGE Credit Union.
* Public voting is now live for the 2015 Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award and closes on February 20. To vote for Grace Micali from the Ingham Institute go to:
http://www.women.nsw.gov.au/women_of_the_year_awards/vote_now_for_your_young_woman_of_the_year_winner
