Katherine Mills

Years of enrolment
Jan 2003 -- present

Describe your academic background.
In 2000 I completed my Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) degree at the University of Western Sydney. I was awarded First Class Honours and the University of Western Sydney Medal for my thesis on alcohol consumption among university students.

How did you hear about research at Medicine UNSW?
My Honours supervisor, Dr Anne Fry, had previously worked with my current PhD supervisor, Assoc Prof Maree Teesson, on the Blacktown suicide prevention project. Knowing that my interest lay in researching issues relating to substance use disorders, Anne recommended that I apply for positions at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC). I was fortunate enough to obtain a position working for Maree as a Research Officer at NDARC in 2001 on the Australian Treatment Outcome Study, a large scale longitudinal study of treatment outcomes for heroin dependence. I began my PhD using data I had collected on this project in 2003.

What expectations did you have for your candidature?
I expected it to be challenging with lots of hard work but I also expected it be an opportunity to learn a great deal.

Describe your candidature so far.
I'm told not many people say this but I have thoroughly enjoyed my candidature. As with all PhDs I have had my ups and downs but it has all been a learning process. Overall it has been a great experience.

What opportunities regarding your future have you had during your candidature so far?
I have been offered many opportunities. I have presented at national and international conferences and published in peer reviewed journals. Recently I was awarded the The Australasian Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS) Annual Academic Award for a paper based on the third chapter of my thesis. I have also had the opportunity to undertake two courses on longitudinal analysis to assist with the analysis of the fourth chapter of my thesis. Having been able to present and write-up my findings for publication, I feel that I will be able to see future research through to these stages competently . With Maree's help I was also able submit applications for a NHMRC project grant and fellowship with the hope of building on what i have learnt throughout my candidature.

Positive experiences at UNSW
I would recommend undertaking a PhD at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre to anyone interested in alcohol and other drug research. I have been able to work at an internationally renowned research centre, with leading international researchers. Most importantly, it is an extremely supportive environment in which to work; you have the support not just of your supervisor, but also other academics at the centre and your fellow students. I have been very fortunate to have been able to undertake my PhD here and to have had the opportunites it has afforded me.