Redcliffe High School students experience real science

Five students from Redcliffe State High School have experienced a week of real science at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR).

The students have come to QIMR to work alongside world-class researchers as a part of their laboratory skills certificate course at high school.

QIMR’s Education Program provides work experience placement for about 60 students a year. The laboratory experience program aims to inspire the scientists of tomorrow.

According to QIMR scientist Derek Richard, “It has been a pleasure working with the students this week. I have enjoyed the opportunity to train some budding scientists, and I hope that they will be inspired to continue with their studies and follow a career in science.”

Year 11 student, Josh O’Driscoll said, “It’s been awesome. You look at everyday things differently once you’ve seen how they work. We got to make slides of our own saliva to see the bacteria in our mouth.” Josh is studying chemistry and plans to go to university to become a scientist.

Students assisted the scientists by making and staining slides of liver dissections, dissecting hookworms, extracting DNA for storage and analysis, and preparing reagents and gels for further tests.

Brett Jasch, a teacher from Redcliffe State High School explained, “The students are completing an 18 month course in laboratory skills. The program provides students with practical skills to improve their qualifications for future university study or employment. It caters for students with an interest in chemistry, biology and physical sciences. ”

The students, Josh O’Driscoll, Luke Chanter, Isaac Tilialo, Charlotte Ogden and Alyce Scott, all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and plan to pursue a career in science.

“Hopefully, I can get into a university course, and continue towards becoming a scientist,” said Josh. “I would like to work here someday”

Another six students will come to the Institute in October for the same program.