Adele Mastroyannis

Flinders University
PhD program

Industry Partner: Wonderful Capital Biotechnology Group

Adele is completing an ARC ITTC Green Chemistry in Manufacturing PhD in ‘Extraction of brown seaweed polyphenols for skin health products’, developing skills in bioprocessing, purification and characterisation, and nanoparticle delivery systems.  She is currently awarded an MBCRC top-up scholarship to develop 3D skin models for cosmetic testing, whilst also completing a government internship with MBCRC.  She has a passion for leadership and education, and is very driven to pursue entrepreneurship in the near future.  The aim is to drive sustainable and ‘green’ products for healthier outcomes in the skin care industry.

Micah Landon-Lane

University of Tasmania
PhD program

Industry Partner: Seaforest

Micah is studying the palatability and cultivation of native Tasmanian sea grapes seaweeds (genus Caulerpa). In 2023 he presented results of his palatability research at the International Seaweed Symposium in Hobart. He is currently working on the publication of the palatability experiments as well as trialling different cultivation systems for the more palatable species.

Zafar Abu MD

International student
University of the Sunshine Coast
PhD program

Industry Partner: NSW-DP

Zafar is a PhD student at the Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast. His research focuses on oyster reproduction which explores the molecular components that regulate its reproductive biology, including gametogenesis and spawning.

Cheng Yang

International student
University of Tasmania
PhD program

Industry Partner: Marinova

Cheng specialises in molecular biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology.  While at UTAS, he co-authored four impactful articles based on extensive investigations on the therapeutic effects of Asperuloside for weight loss purposes. Cheng is currently exploring neuroscience in an invertebrate model, planaria, showcasing diverse research expertise.

Vigasini Subbiah

International student
Deakin University
PhD program

Industry Partner: Spraying Systems Co Pty Ltd

Vigasini’s research has focused on elevating the yield of seaweed extract while implementing various drying methodologies. Additionally, she has explored encapsulation techniques to prevent the loss of the extract during the process. Vigasini has authored three research articles as the first author.

Velislav Kotevski

International student
Charles Sturt University
PhD program

Industry Partner: AB-Sciex

Velislav graduated from secondary school with a specialisation in chemistry and biology, leading him to
complete an MS degree in pharmacy at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria in 2023. His academic
pursuits have centered around the study of the biological activity of medicinal plants and their direct and
indirect impacts on human physiology. While a student at the Medical University, his thesis research
focused on the immuno-modulating activity of plant-produced secondary metabolites. This interest in
analytical and biochemistry has now led him to Australia for PhD study at Charles Sturt University as a
recipient of a research fellowship with the Marine Bioproducts CRC, where he is currently investigating
the nutraceutical potential and biological activity of key immuno-modulating metabolites present in a
biodiverse collection of Australian macroalgae.

Manav Subbanna

International student
Flinders University
Masters program

Industry Partner: Marinova
Manav recently obtained a Masters in Biotechnology from Flinders University, where he collaborated with MBCRC and Marinova to explore the impact of seaweed extracts on mouse gut health. This experience provided valuable exposure to industry-level research and documentation, giving Manav a competitive edge among my peers. Additionally, he presented at the Marine BioConnect 2023 conference, enriching his knowledge alongside esteemed professionals. As a recent graduate, Manav aspires to enhance his skills in biotechnology and microbiology, eagerly pursuing new opportunities.

Jessica Gibbs

University of the Sunshine Coast
Masters program

Industry Partner: NSW-DPI

Jessica completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and achieved a first class in the BSc (Honours) program minoring in medical microbiology. She is currently studying a MSc in microbiology and bacteriology at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research work focuses on antimicrobial and anti-virulent activity of Sydney Rock Oysters effective against antimicrobial resistance. Commencing 2024, Jessica is a student representative on the MBCRC Education and Training Committee.

Yoshinta Debby Purnomo

International student
University of Queensland
Masters program

Industry Partner: Agilent

Yoshinta completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy with a notable scholarship from The Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education. She has assisted several projects in natural products research during her Bachelor’s degree. In 2024 she commenced as a Master of Philosophy candidate at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, sponsored by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education. Her research work is focusing on microbial biodiscovery from marine natural products.

Bonnie Homer

SARDI
Honours program

Industry Partner: Marinova

Bonnie is a veterinary student passionate about understanding the gut’s impact on animal health. Awarded the University of Adelaide Veterinary Publication Prize (2023) for co-authoring “Gut Microbiota and Behavioural Issues in Production, Performance, and Companion Animals.” Recently Bonnie investigated seaweed extracts for piglet gut health during Honours, earning the inaugural MBCRC Marine Bioconnect Student Presentation Award (2023).

Dylan Ebner

University of the Sunshine Coast
Honours program

Industry Partner: DPINSW

Dylan completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in chemistry and minoring in biochemistry, and was awarded the University Commendation for Academic Excellence. Following this, he completed an Honours degree focusing on organic chemistry and natural product discovery in the Sydney rock oyster and was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Honours Scholarship and a Marine Bioproducts CRC Honours top-up scholarship.

Imogen Morison
AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winner

University of Queensland
Honours program

Industry Partner: Marinova

MBCRC is delighted to sponsor Imogen, who is one of 22 scholars recently awarded an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship. Imogen is undertaking an internship with two Industry Partners as part of her Bachelor of Agribusiness.

Voon Leong Chung

International student
Flinders University
Honours program

Industry Partner: Byron Bioreactor Technologies

Leon is an accomplished Mechanical Engineering student, honoured with notable awards and scholarships—including the Chancellor Letter of Commendation, MBCRC Honours Top-Up Scholarship, and Summer Research Scholarship. Currently excelling as a Graduate Fire Engineer, he specialises in designing fire protection systems and ensuring overall fire safety. Leon is also a committed Student Mentor, providing guidance and support to international students in their academic journey.

Valeria Sanders

International student
Flinders University
PhD program

Industry Partner: Marinova

Michael Patrick McWilliams

Flinders University
Honours program

Industry Partner: Byron Bioreactor Technologies

Bryan Anthony Mendoza

Flinders University
Honours program

Industry Partner: Byron Bioreactor Technologies