Skip to content | Change text size
 

60 seconds with … Alexander Pinto

11 February 2009

Alex Pinto
 

Name: Alexander Pinto
Course: PhD candidate

What is it about your course and the University that helped you to choose Monash?

A PhD allows you to explore and answer specific scientific questions. The decision to choose Monash was very easy. I had completed my undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences) and Honours at Monash, and was very familiar with the University. I knew Monash had excellent resources, facilities and staff so it was the ideal university to conduct a PhD project.

What is your favourite subject and why?

Cell biology and molecular biology are perhaps my equal favourites. I have been interested in biogerontology and regenerative biology for a long time. Cell biology and molecular biology allow us to understand processes that are important for cell ageing and tissue regeneration.

What challenges are ahead for you this year?

Publishing some exciting and surprising data I have discovered during my PhD.

What will be your ideal career (and what will it involve) when you graduate?

My ulitmate goal is to manage my own lab. Before I can achieve that I need to accrue sufficient experience and publications to convince funding sources that their money is safe with me.

What is it about your research that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I find discovering something new that no one else has shown before very satisfying. Current PhD students conducting cell biology projects are very lucky since the technology available allows us to make signficant discoveries. It is really a very exciting time to be a young scientist.

What is your favourite destination and why?

I was born in Sri Lanka although we left when I was eight. I have been back once since and have very fond memories - I would love to return in the near future. My favourite place is probably my home in Melbourne. I especially enjoy the kitchen and putting my biochemistry skills to good use

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

There are no rehearsals in life.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

My favourite dish is my mum's ox tongue curry.

Archive of 60 seconds with...