Farewell to Becky

Last week, we said farewell to Dr Rebekah "Becky" Parkinson, a key member of the Dehorter Lab since she began her Honours at the Australian National University in early 2019. Becky moved with the lab to Brisbane for the transition to the Queensland Brain Institute in 2023, and has been central to our journey ever since.

Becky defined the lab’s foundational work in Parkinson’s disease research, helping shape projects that will continue long after her departure. Her leadership and scientific rigour did not stop there, as she immersed herself in other projects, outreach events, and extracurriculars - all whilst setting an exceptional standard and leading by example.

To many students, Becky was a beloved mentor, generous with her time and thoughtful in her feedback, helping not only with shaping projects, but young scientists. Her positivity radiated through the lab, lifting spirits and always providing words of wisdom, patience, and encouragement.

While it is hard to imagine the lab without her sBECKtacular energy, we wish her all the best in her future endeavours in clinical trials!