November 2, 2016

Family the cherry on top of graduate's research career

How a surprise passion inspired PhD graduate Katherine Kent's career in science

When Katherine Kent began studying a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2007, she had no idea that it would lead her down the path of becoming a career researcher.

But the degree ignited a surprising passion for research in the young student and when it came time to graduate, Katherine decided to stay on and try her hand at a Masters of Science.

Almost 10 years later, Katherine has bid farewell to her studies and to the University of Wollongong, after completing her PhD from the School of Medicine.

It is an amazing feeling for the female scientist, who will be joined at today’s (2 November) graduation celebrations by her husband and 10-month-old son.

Katherine, who is the Graduate Speaker at the morning celebration, said having her baby alongside would make the day even more special, as he was her primary motivator for finishing her studies.

“I found out I was pregnant part way through getting my PhD and I freaked out,” she said. “I thought, ‘I have to finish this PhD right now before the baby comes’. But I got it done, I submitted my PhD about two weeks before my son arrived. I worked so hard to get it finished.”

Katherine’s thesis focused on the use of cherry juice to halt the physical and mental decline of people with dementia.

The compounds found in cherries – flavonoids – are rich in antioxidants and have protective benefits for the body, including improving memory problems, increasing blood flow to the brain, managing blood pressure, and alleviating inflammation. At UOW, Katherine was involved in expanding the research to also encompass Queen Garnet Plums, which have the same compounds.

“Our research has shown that over the short term, the anthocyanin-rich juice [in cherries and plums] can significantly reduce blood pressure. Over the long term it has the potential to improve short-term memory in people who have dementia.”

Katherine is passionate about using nutrition to improve people’s lives and said the constantly changing nature of the research is what draws her to the subject.

“It’s so interesting to focus on nutrition, because it’s an area that can make such a meaningful impact. It someone makes a small change to their diet, it can really influence their life,” Katherine said.

“It’s a really fast-paced, moving field. Everyone is interested in food, everyone wants to know what to eat. It’s really challenging and a really rewarding area of research.”

Katherine is now based at the University of Tasmania as a post-doctoral research fellow, a role she said she could not have taken up, with an infant son, if her husband had not taken on the role of full-time carer.

“If you have an infant, someone needs to be the primary carer. I saw a statistic that said less than four per cent of men stay home with the baby, which I was really surprised by.”

During her time at UOW, she has benefited from the support and mentorship of fellow female academics, including her PhD supervisor Professor Karen Charlton, in helping her to balance a growing family and a fulfilling career in the sciences.

“I’ve had such great support in my family and a work,” Katherine said. “I think female scientists often feel like you can’t have a family and have a rewarding career, but that hasn’t been my experience at all.” 

Photo: Dr Katherine Kent with her 10-month-old son. Credit: Matt Estherby