Natalie Lim, a UWA Biomedical Science student and Northbridge resident, was today named as a recipient of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s Outstanding Intern Award (OIA) at the Centre’s major event for 2023.
The Awards were presented by McCusker Charitable Foundation Chair, the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC CitWA, and McCusker Charitable Foundation Director, His Honour Judge Denis Reynolds.
Natalie, who is majoring in Human Anatomy and Biology, worked on two research projects with the Telethon Kids Institute.
“I conducted data collection in the first project which aimed to inform better nutrition policies and interventions for secondary students,” she said.
In the second project she supported, Natalie undertook an analysis of an emerging trend on TikTok.
Joelie Mandzufas, Food and Nutrition team Project Coordinator at the Institute said that the impact Natalie had on the research during her internship was invaluable.
“[Natalie] led a research project from the conceptual thinking through to dissemination. This is far above what we would expect to be achieved in 100 hours, let alone her input to other projects during this time,” Ms Mandzufas said.
“She also is the co-first author of an academic manuscript draft detailing the findings [of the TikTok research]; her contribution included conducting a literature search and writing the first draft of several sections.”
Image: Joelie Mandzufas, Food and Nutrition team Project Coordinator at the Telethon Kids Institute, with UWA student intern and OIA recipient Natalie Lim
Natalie said that the internship had been an opportunity for her to delve deeper into considering community needs and challenges, particularly those facing young people.
“Being equipped with education and skills, I realised that it was my duty to utilise these skills to help others.
“I was fortunate to be provided with an extremely nurturing environment with measured guidance from my supervisors and co-workers. I am grateful for this meaningful and fruitful opportunity, and I hope to continue to implement the skills and values learned in my future endeavours,” Natalie said.
Natalie was selected as the community sector recipient of the OIA, with Hayley Clarke and Sandra Iacopetta as recipients of the Award for government sector internships, for their efforts with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Legal Aid WA respectively.
Image: Sandra Iacopetta, Hayley Clarke, and Natalie Lim, recipients of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award for Summer and Semester 1 2023 internship rounds
Hayley, Natalie and Sandra were selected as recipients of the Award for the Summer and Semester 1, 2023 internship period from a field of 21 strong nominees.
The Outstanding Intern Award recognises UWA students who go above and beyond in their McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to active citizenship, and is presented twice a year, for interns in the Summer and Semester 1 internship period, and the Winter and Semester 2 period.
“Our end-of-year event is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Outstanding Intern Award recipients and nominees,” said Michelle Scott OAM, McCusker Centre for Citizenship Director.
“Our panel faced a difficult task selecting the Award recipients. I congratulate all of those nominated on their outstanding efforts, and Natalie for the valuable assistance she provided on important research through her internship.
“We are delighted to provide students with opportunities for outstanding, real-world learning, through which they can make real and tangible contributions to organisations that are having a positive impact on WA communities.” Ms Scott said.