Meet JDRF PhD Top-Up Scholarship recipient Dr Barbora Paldus
Each year, JDRF offers a PhD Top-Up Scholarship to provide additional funding for PhD students pursuing type 1 diabetes research. Since its inception, the scholarship has helped more than 20 outstanding students kick-start a career in T1D research. Over the next few weeks, we’re catching up with some former recipients to find out what they’ve been up to since receiving the award, and where they’re headed next.
Dr Barbora Paldus is an Endocrinologist and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Hospital, Diabetes Technology Research Group, looking at the use of closed-loop technology during exercise.
Barbora received a JDRF PhD Top-Up Scholarship for her work in 2017 and was also one of the recipients of the 2020 Australian Diabetes Society Lindsey Baudinet Rising Star Awards.
We caught up with Barbora to find out more about her research.
How did you get into type 1 diabetes research?
I grew up in Melbourne, where I studied Medicine at Monash University and did my endocrinology training through the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
I’ve always been interested in the application of technology to medicine – I think it can make a real difference to people’s lives. When I first heard about closed-loop insulin technology and continuous glucose monitors, I knew straight away that was the area I wanted to work in.
What does your PhD project involve?
My research is on improving closed-loop insulin delivery technology, with a focus on exercise. As part of this, I conduct clinical studies with my research team investigating new technology such as new closed loop algorithms, new pumps and sensors, and long-term implantable glucose monitors. I’m looking at how these new technologies can improve the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.
What’s the best thing about working in research?
I love working with people of all ages and really enjoy empowering people to manage their type 1 diabetes in a way that improves their quality of life.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I enjoy being active especially triathlon training, pilates, skiing and aerial sports. I love going alpine cycling and running with my husband and playing with my German Shepherd dog Lily. Supporting young people on the Diabetes Victoria Teenage Diabetes camp is also one of my favourite things to do.
What’s your advice for people wanting to pursue a career in T1D research?
It is wonderful to work in area that is constantly advancing. Not only is it professionally rewarding but also personally rewarding because the work you do can really make a difference in other people’s lives.
Applications for the 2021 JDRF PhD Top-Up Scholarship are open now. To find out more and apply, click here.
