Taste for the big time

Deakin PhD student Sara Cicerale has been awarded the 2009 Malcolm Bird Commemorative Award at the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Convention held in Brisbane last month.

The award is for young members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and integrity.

According to the judges, Sara has been doing this in her research on oleocanthal (a natural anti-inflammatory compound in olive oil).

“It was a real surprise,” she said. “It is fantastic to have this sort of recognition … it does make all the hard slog towards your PhD even more worth while.”

Dr Russell Keast is Sara’s supervisor at Deakin and he was full of praise for his talented PhD student.

“There is no doubt that Sara deserves this award,” he said.

“She is an excellent student involved in some high quality research.”

The selection of the winner of the Malcolm Bird Award is based on the merit of a written submission regarding a critical review or original research.

Also taken into account are:

• the quality of its subsequent presentation in the spoken form before an audience,
• a statement outlining achievements in study and professional positions to date,
• a current curriculum vitae, and
• a 200 word statement by a peer or department head indicating how the nominee has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and integrity.

By becoming a finalist in the award, Sara Cicerale received free flights, accommodation and registration for the AIFST National Convention.

On winning the award, she was presented with a cheque for $1000.

The award is named in honour of Malcolm Bird, the fifth President of AIFST who died in 1977, soon after completing his term of office.

Mr Bird had always shown an active concern for the welfare of young members.

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