Physics PhD prize awarded

Dr Kaye Morgan (BSc, BE(Elec&Comp)(Hons) 2007, PhD 2011) is presented her award by Associate Professor Alison Street AO (MBBS 1971).

Dr Kaye Morgan (BSc, BE(Elec&Comp)(Hons) 2007, PhD 2011) has been awarded the inaugural Robert Street Doctoral Prize in Physics for her work to achieve live imaging of airways affected by cystic fibrosis.

“It is a real honour to be the first person to receive this award from the University’s foundation Professor of Physics,” said Dr Morgan.

The award is the result of a generous donation from Professor Robert Street AO and his wife Joan after his visit to Monash last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the School of Physics.

Emeritus Professor Bill Rachinger has also donated to the prize. The aim of the award is to recognise and encourage doctoral thesis research of outstanding quality and achievement.

Born in Yorkshire in 1920, Professor Street began his career as a researcher and educator in physics at several universities in England where he produced some landmark papers on magnetism.

He moved to Australia in 1960 to be foundation Professor of Physics at the then newly established Monash University. A role he held from 1960 to 1974.

The award was presented by Associate Professor Alison Street AO (MBBS 1971) on behalf of her father who was unable to attend the ceremony.

She noted that Professor Street would have been proud and excited to meet Kaye.

“He has always been a strong supporter of women in science and is delighted that Kaye is the first worthy recipient of this award,” she said.

Dr Morgan’s PhD, “Studies in Phase Contrast X-ray Imaging of Biological Interfaces”, investigated the use of synchrotron X-rays for phase contrast imaging of airway surfaces.

The work was done in collaboration with researchers at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, who needed a way to quickly determine the effectiveness of their novel gene therapy for cystic fibrosis.

Dr Morgan developed a way to use imaging to observe the surface of living airways that would show the changes as patients were treated and at the site of treatment.

“This award gives me a boost both financially and is motivation to work even harder,” she said. “Science is a very competitive world and an award like this definitely gives you an edge.”

Dr Morgan will continue her research at Monash as a Research Fellow on an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award.

“Kaye Morgan is a truly outstanding young scientist whose achievements are recognised by this award,” said Professor Michael Morgan, Head School of Physics.