Hudson people - Mai Sarraj

NAME
Mai Sarraj

POSITION / GROUP / CENTRE
Grants Officer /SSG

I WAS BORN IN
Lebanon

BEFORE HUDSON INSTIUTE I WAS DOING

In 2004, I completed a PhD from Melbourne University, Paediatrics at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. My research was on the genetics of how a boy or a girl develops in the womb of a mother.

I then joined MIMR as a post-doc with Professor Kate Loveland’s group and in 2007 was awarded the Prince Henry’s Ramsey fellowship to join Professor Jock Findlay’s group. Technically the only place I worked in since my PhD graduation is Hudson Institute!

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS

Seeing a smile on a researcher’s face after the success of a grant submitted which makes me so happy and excited about my job.

I CHOSE THIS CAREER PATH BECAUSE

Research has been my passion for years. After finishing my work on an NHMRC New Investigator grant, I joined Prince Henry’s Grant Office to assist with Grants submission. After the merger I started managing the Hudson  Institute grants and I fell in love with my new job which grew to become my new career path.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS JOB I WOULD BE A

A researcher and would continue my work in the area of Reproductive Biology which is a great field that I had built experience and a large network in.

MY FIRST JOB WAS

I started as a research assistant in Kuwait University at the Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine. My first boss inspired my love of research and encouraged me to continue my studies. In 1992, and due to the Gulf war we migrated to Australia which opened doors for me to pursue a Master in Microbiology then a PhD.

MY FAVOURITE MOVIE/TV IS

Documentaries on National Geographic and reality TV such as cooking shows and Goggle Box.

I AM WORKING ON

Numerous submissions, fellowship interviews, assisting researchers with various inquiries and facilitating a number of reports.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR SO FAR

On Grants Office level, a highlight was hearing about a number of successful international grants secured by Hudson Institute researchers. On a personal level being a co-author on a recently published paper and attending the graduation of my daughter for her completion of a Masters Degree in education.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD

Attracting more funding to Hudson Institute researchers and having a nice family holiday sometime soon.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD

Tasmania locally and Medina internationally. I find both places so spiritual, peaceful and meditating.

OUTSIDE OF WORK I ENJOY

Watercolour painting, specially botanical art and my latest piece is on autumn oak leaves and acorns.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT

I love all types of food and my favourite place to eat is authentic Middle Eastern Restaurants.

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE RECEIVED
“Keep optimistic and see opportunity in every difficulty”. Positive thinking always works to put me on track when I face hard situations.