Biochemical Journal Young Investigator Award

Foteini Hassiotou

Foteini Hassiotou graduated from Aristotle University, Greece (School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences) in July 2005 upon completion of her Honours in blue-green algae physiology. Foteini graduated first of her class and was awarded a series of prizes for academic excellence. Foteini then migrated to Perth (Australia), where she was awarded an APA (Australian Postgraduate Award) in January 2006 to start a PhD at The University of Western Australia (School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science). Her PhD project is a comparative study of structure and function and focuses on differences at the anatomical, physiological and biochemical levels among species of differing sclerophylly. Foteini is using the endemic to Australia genus Banksia as her model group to investigate the key aspects of the physiology of sclerophylls under different environmental conditions, with emphasis on their photosynthesis. Foteini is currently in her second year of study and expected to complete the degree in 2009.