When Hayley Teasdale set out to use science and technology to "make the world a better place", she never imagined her goal would see her flying to South Korea for the Winter Olympics Torch Relay.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Teasdale, who moved to Canberra from Melbourne for her studies in neuroscience, has an immune deficiency which "means I get sick a lot of the time".
"It's called Common Variable Immune Deficiency, which is a blanket term for a whole group of people whose bodies do not produce enough or any of certain parts of their immune system, so for example, you get a cold, but someone with CVID will get pneumonia," Ms Teasdale said.
"We are more susceptible to infections and have a hard time fighting off infections, which can be very dangerous and life threatening in some circumstances."
Ms Teasdale, a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra was one of four Australians selected to represent the nation in the Olympic Torch Relay.
In her studies, Ms Teasdale works to revolutionise the lives of Australians who have suffered neural damage using neuroplasticity training.
Head of brand partnerships at Samsung Electronics Australia Holly Adams said the "inspirational Australians who stand out as achievers and dreamers as they continue to defy barriers" will carry the Olympic flame in PyeongChang.
"The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 is the absolute summation of personal sacrifice and determination and these four Australians show this in their own lives," Ms Adams said.
"Samsung ignites the Olympic spirit by creating opportunities for everyone to discover their potential and celebrate the lights of the Olympic Torch Relay, to inspire hope, dreams and passion."
In addition to her studies Ms Teasdale also empowers women as part of both the University of Canberra's Science and Gender Equality Taskforce and the UN Women Breaking Barriers project.
"It means so much to me that Samsung saw my potential and thought I deserved to carry the torch," she said.
"It's also been really nice to share the excitement with my family and friends because when you are chronically ill it has a massive impact on the people around you.
"Telling my parents felt like a moment of celebration, as if we'd achieved something big together."
Ms Adams said "Hayley's story stood out as an inspiring individual who strives to reach her full potential, encompassing the spirit of a dreamer who shows determination in everything she does.
"Her dedication to breaking down barriers for women and minorities in STEM in Australia is a testament to her passion for helping others.
A total of 7,500 torchbearers from around the world will be participating in the event. Dikshya Rawal from Gosford in NSW, John Winning from Sydney and David Dorsett-Lynn from Busselton in Western Australia will join Ms Teasdale in carrying the Olympic flame,
The torch relay started in November 2017 and will reach PyeongChang on February 9.
