UNSW SOVS PhD Candidate Awarded Travel grant for ASM Microbe 2025

Ms. Umme Laila Urmi, a PhD candidate at the School of Optometry & Vision Science at UNSW Sydney, has been awarded a travel grant to attend the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Microbe Conference 2025.  The conference will take place from June 19 to June 23, 2025, in Los Angeles, USA.

Ms. Urmi is in the final stages of her doctoral research under the supervision of Professor Mark Willcox, Dr. Ajay Kumar Vijay, Dr. Rajesh Kuppusamy, and Dr. Salequl Islam.  Her research focuses on developing antiviral peptides and their mimics for application against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.  This innovative work addresses critical challenges in virology and antimicrobial science, with the potential to significantly impact the field.

Attending ASM Microbe 2025 will provide Ms. Urmi with a valuable platform to showcase her findings to a global audience of experts.  The conference will also offer her the opportunity to gain insights into cutting-edge research and build meaningful collaborations with leading professionals in the field.  These experiences are expected to enrich her academic and professional development and contribute to the advancement and visibility of UNSW Sydney on the international stage.

The travel grant is a testament to Ms. Urmi's dedication and the high quality of her research.  It highlights the importance of supporting emerging scientists in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation.