Naomi Jones is an undergraduate at Victoria University, studying biochemistry, chemistry and Aboriginal studies.
She has been a CareerTrackers intern at WEHI since 2018, working on projects including how cell signalling impacts inflammatory bowel disease, and using structural biology to understand potassium transport into cells.
She says WEHI promotes an atmosphere of sharing and learning.
“You can talk about your passion for science and have those engaging conversations about areas that you might not be accustomed to within science,”
– Naomi Jones
Naomi said CareerTrackers has been a major part of her undergraduate degree and has allowed her to appreciate the community and culture she belongs to. “I’m proud to say I’m a Darug women of the Boorooberongal clan, which flows through my mother’s side,” she said.
“CareerTrackers has allowed me to connect with other students who share the same beliefs in culture and customs. It is a valuable initiative as it allows us students to wear our culture with pride in the community and workforce.”
CareerTrackers is a national non-profit organisation that creates internship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students. WEHI has been hosting CareerTrackers students since 2014.