International Women’s Day 2021
The 8 March 2021 is International Women's Day, so to celebrate we asked Dr Agathe Jadczak some questions about her life and career in research.
International Women’s Day: Dr Agathe Jadczak
Dr Agathe Daria Jadczak is an exercise physiologist and sports scientist from Germany. She holds a postdoctoral position within the CRE and is currently coordinating the FIRST Study (Frailty In Residential Sector Over Time), a prospective cohort study in cooperation with Resthaven Inc. The study investigates aged care residents’ health over time, associated health outcomes and health care costs, and will also help to validate a new frailty screening tool for residential aged care.
Agathe also coordinated the EXPRESS Study (EXercise and PRotein Effectiveness Supplementation Study), a community-based intervention study in cooperation with CSIRO. She investigated the feasibility and the effects of exercise in combination with protein supplementation on physical function in frail older adults.
Agathe also continues her research into exercise advice provided by general practitioners and the impact of medical education programs.
What drew you to research?
During my studies at the German Sport University Cologne, I conducted a research project with patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who experienced pain while walking (claudication) caused by a reduced blood flow (narrowed arteries) in their legs. Exercise is known to improve muscle function and blood flow in patients with PAD, and can even cause new (collateral) blood vessels to grow. I was so fascinated with how exercise can help to treat various health conditions that I decided to pursue a research career in that field.
What has been the best experience you have had so far as a researcher?
One of my research projects resulted in a direct improvement of the fifth year Geriatric Medicine Undergraduate Teaching Program at the University of Adelaide, and to date over 500 medical students have been educated on how to advise older patients on exercise. I was awarded the 2018 Robert Penhall Early Career Research Award for this work, and this has probably been the highlight of my research career so far. It is great to know that you can make a difference.
What is one thing you would like to share with female researchers?
I moved to Australia to pursue my PhD when I was 30 years old. Seeing my friends getting married and settling down, it was not an easy decision to move to the other side of the world to start a new life, all by myself. I still remember my mother’s words when she encouraged me to make the move and assured me that I have nothing to lose, only experience to gain and that I can always come back if things do not turn out the way I expected. Almost seven years later, I am still in Australia. I finished my PhD, and I am working as a researcher. I never looked back and I enjoy my life here in Adelaide. What I would like to share, and not only with female researchers, is to chase your dreams, no matter how scary things may seem, or how old you are, or what your friends or colleagues do or think. Life has a lot to offer and we should grab those opportunities when they arise.
Which women in your life inspired/mentored you?
Probably my mother, who was an early example of what women can achieve and what they are capable of. When she was 30 years old, she moved to a new country, learned a completely new language, juggled two little kids and further education, while establishing a new life for her family. Even though my mother and I faced different challenges during our moves, I guess, I have my adventurous and courageous side from her as she taught me early that there is nothing you cannot do if you only set your mind to it.