Katharina Richter
Country: Germany
Degree: PhD
Faculty: Health and Medical Sciences
I am a trained pharmacist from Germany pursuing a PhD at the University of Adelaide. My research focus is on innovative strategies to combat recurring bacterial infections such as non-healing wounds and chronic ear/nose/throat infections. I have a strong interest in translational research aiming to develop and improve medical therapies for clinical practice, thereby improving patient’s lives. Through international conferences and research visits during my PhD I established networks and collaborations with experts in medical research. To enable such travels I secured several travel grants from the university and external funding bodies that helped me learn from international experts to augment and complement my research in Adelaide. I find my time at university exciting and interesting. I could expand my knowledge, develop new skills and broaden my horizon. The most thrilling part is the translational aspect of my project. By working closely together with people of diverse professional backgrounds, including medical doctors and surgeons, my research can make a difference for patients. This interdisciplinary approach exemplifies that when people from different disciplines and institutes work together, something greater can be achieved.
I enjoy the international atmosphere at the university. Meeting people from all over the world is highly interesting and enhances the exchange of ideas, thoughts and knowledge.
Katharina Richter
Why did you choose your degree?
My goal in life is to make a difference for people. I was always interested in medical research and by choosing to pursue a PhD I could develop novel therapies that will help people overcome devastating health conditions.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Adelaide?
The University offers great facilities to conduct research and supports students to expand their skills in state-of-the-art technology. Due to the close proximity to hospitals medical research can be directly applied in clinical practice.
What do you enjoy about your degree/time at uni?
I enjoy the international atmosphere at the university. Meeting people from all over the world is highly interesting and enhances the exchange of ideas, thoughts and knowledge.
What do you hope to do in the future once you are qualified?
The translational aspect of my PhD project is thrilling and it is the reason I envisage a medical research career in South Australia with a focus on improving medical therapies and developing better medicine. The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research/University of Adelaide is ideally positioned to conduct my studies as the outcomes can be directly applied to clinical practice at the Adelaide hospitals.