Advancing sustainable solutions for eczema

22 December 2025

by Harinash Rao Precasa Roe
School of Science

1. Tell us about your scholarship.harinash rao at 3MT

I am a recipient of the Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES), which provides a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. As part of the award, I contribute ten hours per week to academic and research support within the School of Science.

The level of financial support offered through this scholarship is comparatively higher than that of many local institutions, enabling me to focus more on my PhD with fewer financial concerns.

2. How does this scholarship support your academic journey and career aspirations?

This scholarship enables me to dedicate my time fully to high-quality, time-intensive research without the need to take on part-time work.

3. What motivated you to apply for this scholarship and pursue your current field of study?

The scholarship application was automatically initiated by the School, and I was required only to attend the interview.

As for my field of study, my background in biomedical science naturally led me to pursue research that addresses pressing health challenges. I am particularly drawn to interdisciplinary approaches, as they allow for innovative problem-solving. Additionally, working under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr Joash Tan Ban Lee, who emphasises translational research, has been highly motivating, as it provides a strong foundation for advancing bench-to-bedside solutions that can make a real impact in healthcare.

4. In what ways has the scholarship played a role in shaping your overall university experience?

This scholarship has had a profound impact on my university experience by giving me the freedom to engage in extracurricular activities while remaining focused on my research. For example, I served as an executive committee member for the 2025 Monash Science Symposium, participated in the Monash 3MT competition, and will be participating in the PITCH 2025 event, a hackathon bringing together PhD students from across Monash.

5. Are there specific challenges or milestones that stand out as crucial to your growth, and how have you worked through them?

My journey has been relatively smooth, thanks to the strong support of my supervisor and Monash as a whole. The university’s well-equipped research facilities and funding opportunities have allowed me to focus on advancing my work. Along the way, I have also developed the ability to distil complex information for different target audiences, a skill I strengthened under my supervisor’s guidance and through my contributions to the academic unit I assist with.

6. Can you share about your current research project? What problem are you addressing, and why does it matter?

My current research project focuses on developing a natural skin patch for eczema, the most burdensome skin disease worldwide. Unlike conventional treatments such as moisturisers, which require frequent reapplication and are easily removed by sweating, this patch is designed to provide longer-lasting relief. To achieve this, we are engineering the patch to be mechanically robust yet flexible, water-resistant, and capable of delivering therapeutic agents effectively.

In addition to addressing a major global health challenge that affects up to 20 per cent of children and 10 per cent of adults, our approach also prioritises sustainability through the use of natural or environmentally friendly materials.

7. How do you hope your research will contribute to your field, community, or society at large?

Research is inherently collaborative, and I hope my contributions will help advance the path toward the commercialisation of the skin patch, with the ultimate goal of seeing it available on shelves. Achieving this would not only provide meaningful benefits to society by addressing a real healthcare need but also highlight the innovative research being conducted at Monash and serve as a way of giving back to the Monash community.

8. What advice would you give to students who are thinking about applying for scholarships or starting their own research projects?

Research scholarships often come with contributions to the School, such as at Monash, where GRES recipients are required to dedicate ten hours each week to academic or research support. While many students may initially see this as a burden, it actually helps build valuable skills in time management and project planning, which reflect the realities of a professional working environment. Depending on the unit you choose to support, it can also provide early preparation for a future in academia.

For those considering their own research projects, the most important factor is finding the right supervisor. Choose someone who can dedicate time to you, provide constructive feedback, treat you with respect, and has the expertise to guide your project while encouraging your personal growth. In some cases, you may need to adapt your research to align with your supervisor’s interests, particularly if it is tied to grant funding. The benefit of this arrangement is that it provides you with the resources needed to carry out your work. It is best to view this as both a challenge and an opportunity, recognising that there will be ample time after your PhD to pursue your own independent research interests.