Science News
Yale Young Global Scholars Program
On 28 July, I had the privilege to travel to New Haven, Connecticut to attend Yale University’s Yale Young Global Scholars program. This program is a global academic enrichment and leadership program, and attracts students from all 52 states of America and over 100 countries around the world.
Some of the amazing sessions included Applied Science & Engineering, International Affairs & Globalization, Politics Law & Economics, and even one at their Beijing campus – Asia in the 21st Century. Out of these sessions, I attended the Biological & Biomedical Sciences session.
As part of the BBS program, we participated in lectures and seminars, simulations, research projects, lab tours and many more.
Some of us even had the chance to visit the glassblowing laboratory at Yale, which is where they create their own lab equipment! During lectures and seminars, we learnt things ranging from the links between climate change and emerging diseases, to the science and physiology behind endurance sports, which were all delivered by world-class professors. We got the chance to interact with professors, ask them questions about their research, and in some cases, even have lunch or dinner with them, which was a rare opportunity for high school students.
One of the highlights of the program was definitely the capstone project. This was a research project that we did in groups of 4-5 based around a central theme. My group was assigned the theme of Marine Biology, and we decided to research the effects of pollution and climate change on the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef, delving into areas such as coral bleaching, ocean acidification and agricultural runoff. At the end of the two weeks, we got the chance to present our research to our peers and mentors.
To say that this program was rewarding is an understatement – I had the privilege to not only learn about cutting-edge research being conducted at Yale, but also to meet possibly the most diverse group of people I have ever met. This was most definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
P.S. thank you to Mrs. Latham and Mrs. Waddington once again for writing my recommendation letters 😊
To learn more about the program and the application process, visit: https://globalscholars.yale.edu/
Marcus Lai
Year 11
Work Experience at the Gene Technology Access Centre
Beginning on 14 October, a group of six year 10 biology students comprising of Yathiksha Yogaraja, Benjamin McDonald, Renushan Jayarampillai, Joel Siaw, Thehansa Senevirantne and myself embarked on a week of work experience at the Gene Technology Access Centre.
The Gene Technology Access Centre, also referred to as GTAC, is known as Victoria’s leading source of Life Sciences learning and education which serves to provide opportunities for students and educators to immerse themselves in science research.
Throughout the week, our aim was to isolate a certain gene known as the warts gene which is responsible for controlling the growth and development of cells in order to analyse its potential mutations. Upon analysing these mutations, we hoped to better understand the implications of altering this gene as well as the ways in which cancer can develop. In doing so, we completed a multitude of experiments on fruit flies given that they share 75% of disease genes with the human species.
These experiments included a genomic DNA extraction, a polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, specimen purification and DNA sequencing; all experiments that often appear in textbooks making them particularly exciting to carry out ourselves. Alongside the practical element of this placement though, we also had the chance to engage with practicing scientists and take a tour of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute to see such practice in action.
Overall, our time at GTAC was fantastic to say the least. For me, this experience has illuminated the appeal to a career in research and in particular cancer research to which I have now taken a great interest in. We are all extremely grateful to have had the unique opportunity of doing a work experience placement at such an inspiring centre surrounded by some truly passionate people, to make friends with other like-minded students and to explore what may be our future careers. It goes without saying that this experience is one we would most certainly recommend to any students who are either fascinated in research as a career, fond of science or even unsure of what the future can hold as it has been a memorable and inspirational week for us all.
Nadia Hadzikadic
Year 10
