It's not often a father has the privilege of introducing his daughter as she receives a University degree, but that thought has Charles Sturt University (CSU) Biomedical Sciences Lecturer Dr Wouter Kalle brimming with pride.

 

Dr Kalle's daughter Ms Emma Kalle will be awarded a Bachelor of Medical Science during a formal Graduation ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga on Monday 16 December.

 

"I actually have to call her name, so that will be very special, I might even shed a little tear, we'll have to wait and see," Dr Kalle said." I've been smiling for weeks now thinking about that event."

 

The Kalle family moved from Holland to Coolamon in southern NSW in 1997 and Dr Kalle is the program leader for the Bachelor of Medical Science in CSU's School of Biomedical Sciences.

 

Ms Kalle admits having her father as a teacher provided extra motivation to study.

 

"It has been good and I would have to say that it has made me work harder, especially in the classes my father teaches because I want to do well," she said.

 

Aside from "polishing up his jokes for class" Dr Kalle said teaching his daughter meant extra steps had to be taken to ensure there was no conflict of interest.

 

"Emma's work was always marked by other people," he said. "I'm incredibly proud she's a very good student and all my colleagues say the same thing, hardworking, talented and a pleasure to have in class. What more could you want?"

 

Ms Kalle now hopes to complete an Honours research program at CSU examining the protective effect of the antioxidants in pulses on DNA. After that she has her sights set on post-graduate study in medicine.

 

"A medical science degree is what you need to be able to work in pathology labs in hospitals which is the basis for the diagnosis of disease." she said, "I think this is a solid background for studying to be a doctor."

 

Ms Kalle said her choice to follow her father into a career in science was inspired by a high school biology lesson.

 

"I've always been exposed to science because that's what my Dad does, but it was really learning about prion diseases, neurodegenerative diseases spread by cannibalism, that sparked my interest in microbiology," she said. "You should pursue something that you're interested in because it makes the work so much easier."

 

CSU's Bachelor of Medical Science is an internationally accredited course which offers diverse career options in health care, including working as a medical scientist in a pathology laboratory or as part of a research team developing new medicines.