Western Cape College student Troy Hudson gets a lesson on mosquitoes from Dr Elina Panahi during the QIMR Berghofer scientist visit to Weipa on 7 May. Photo: cape York Weekly.
Cape York students were given a glimpse into the world of medical research last week when QIMR Berghofer scientists made a flying visit to Weipa.
The roadshow was aimed at inspiring remote students to consider a career in science by delivering a unique, hands-on experience into the day-to-day lives of scientists with a range of activities like diagnosing diseases under microscopes, learning how to handle a pipette and exploring the role of neurons in model brains.
Scientists Dr Elina Panahi and Ian Peall were part of the team at Western Cape College on 7 May and said providing an environment for scientists to engage directly with students was vital for sparking their scientific curiosity.
“I think it’s important for a number of different reasons,” Mr Peall said.
“It’s important for them to see there are a lot of different pathways you can take if medical research is something you want to pursue.
“For us, it’s great to get out and see these remote communities and see what life’s like out here; we’re isolated in Brissie; we don’t get to see this part of the world ever up here – and it’s amazing up here, it’s fantastic.”
Mosquito scientist Dr Panahi said several students had been interested to learn how much field work her job required, and that research did not just involve a laboratory.
“It’s actually interesting, because a lot of them didn’t understand or realise mosquitoes can transmit a virus or parasite,” she said.
Aurukun student Isaiah Yunkaporta said he was excited to have travelled up to Weipa to experience the range of experiments on offer.
“It’s been really cool,” he said.
The scientists were scheduled to take the roadshow to Lockhart State School on 8 May but a flight cancellation and impassable road made the visit impossible.
QIMR Berghofer education co-ordinator Dr Manuel Serrano Santos said bringing scientists to remote schools helped demonstrate distance was no obstacle to a career in medical research.
“At QIMR Berghofer, we want to ensure students have the opportunity to explore the world of health science and medical research, regardless of how remote their geographical location is,” he said.
Dr Elina Panahi (centre) prepares to give a hands-on science lesson to Weipa and Aurukun students Keegan Kawangka, Troy Hudson, Isaiah Yunkaporta, Alisha Motton, Lily Daniels and Bernita Newie. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
