Scholarship details
Our research aims to uncover the molecular pathways that are necessary for memory development and storage, as well as how their disturbance can result in neurological disease. The aberrant buildup of the histone deacetylase HDAC4 in neuronal nuclei has been linked to both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative illnesses in recent years, and increased nuclear HDAC4 affects neuronal development and memory in our *Drosophila* model. HDAC4 aggregates as its abundance in nuclei increases, which is mediated by an N-terminal *a*-helix. Mutation of amino acids anticipated to hinder tetramerisation both prevents aggregation formation and cures any developmental abnormalities, according to our findings. These first findings strongly suggest that aggregates are to blame for the impairments, but it’s unclear what causes the aggregates to form, what makes them pathogenic, or what causes them to form in the first place.
These are the questions that our research aims to solve. Under the supervision of co-supervisor Assoc Prof Andrew Sutherland-Smith, researchers used a number of biochemical techniques to determine the impact of distinct mutations on the formation of the N-terminal *a*-helix and tetramer of recombinant HDAC4 protein. It will also examine techniques for reducing aggregation-induced deficits in *Drosophila* neurodegenerative models.
About the Scholarship:
Massey University is unique among New Zealand institutions in that it has three campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington where it can provide research-driven teaching and research training. Teaching and research in applied zones such as engineering technology, agriculture, finance, medicine, food technology, information sciences, marketing, and accountancy demonstrate Massey’s strong linkages with industry and commerce, which contribute to economic development. International students who come to Massey University will find a warm, welcoming environment to study in, as well as an academic one where they will be understudies inspired to exceed expectations. The Massey philosophy is to help students prepare for today’s career difficulties by providing meaningful, innovative, and flexible programs. Massey University offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students that are currently available for application. As a Massey University student, you have access to a variety of study support programs and resources aimed at helping you improve your scholarly abilities at all levels of study. More than 5000 foreign students from more than 100 countries study at our three North Island campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington each year. Our geographic spread among these three main cities, as well as our history and the variety of programs we offer, create an environment in which students from all over the world may be creative, connected, and inventive members of society. Massey University is proud of the relevance and quality of its programs, which routinely place it in the top 3% of universities worldwide. We have a long history of academic leadership, research excellence, and cutting-edge teaching based on real-world concerns. International students who come to Massey will discover a safe, welcoming environment to learn in, as well as an intellectual climate that encourages them to succeed. Palmerston North, Albany, and Wellington are all home to Massey University. It’s one of a kind in that it offers research-based instruction and research training on all three sites. Every school has a strong student association that offers a wide range of activities. This includes a student-run radio station, a student journal, and political and cultural events organized by students. International students from over 100 countries make up a large portion of the student body.It is New Zealand’s only university that offers aviation, conflict resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience studies. Rugby union star Rico Gear, Olympic sailor Jo Aleh, and New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Paula Bennett are among the notable graduates. Massey has over 100 active international links and academic agreements with foreign universities to encourage student mobility and diversity through study abroad and student exchange opportunities. We are proud of the relevance of our programs, our openness to students of all ages, geographic locations, educational backgrounds, ethnicity, and culture, the support we provide for students through our commitment as a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care for International Students) Code of Practice 2016, and the relationships we have built with our alumni all over the world. Massey University has a long and illustrious history of excellence in teaching and research. We’ve been forging new ground in all of our fields of specialization — business, creative art, health, science, humanities, and social science – since we were formed almost a century ago. Every year, Massey welcomes over 30,000 students from over 100 countries. Our geographic distribution across three North Island campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington, as well as our tradition and breadth of programs, provide an environment that allows students from all over the world to be creative, connected, and inventive members of society. Many of Massey’s teaching and research programs are applied, and we have unique competence in areas including as technology, science, applied science, and business studies.
We have a long history of collaborating with underdeveloped countries around the world. Our commitment to technology and business is also fulfilling new global demands. Massey graduates hold prominent and responsible roles across Asia, the Pacific, North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): Massey University
Scholarship Country: New Zealand
Scholarship Worth: $105,000
Study Level: PhD
Nationality: International Students
Scholarship Offer:
Only successful candidates for a PhD degree will receive a $105,000 stipend with tuition costs for three years from Massey University.
Eligibility for Scholarship.
Applicants must have a relevant postgraduate degree in one of the above-mentioned research topics, as well as be highly driven and team-oriented. A background in molecular biology is necessary, as is a knowledge of neuroscience and Drosophila genetics. This opportunity is only open to applicants who are already in New Zealand due to existing border restrictions.
Nationality
The Massey University 2022 PhD Scholarships in HDAC4 Tetramerisation and Neuronal Dysfunction, New Zealand is open to all International Students
Application Procedure
- Please include the following information in your application:
- a letter of interest in which you describe your past research interests and experience
- your curriculum vitae
- academic transcripts in its entirety
- three academic referees’ contact information
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Massey University 2022 PhD Scholarships in HDAC4 Tetramerisation and Neuronal Dysfunction, New Zealand is April 25, 2022.
