SPARQ-ed Immersion Progam at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
by Anika Logan – Year 12
Over the July holidays, Michelle and I attended an immersion program at the Translational Research Institute at the Princess Alexandra Hospital with the University of Queensland.
The program is aimed at Year 10-12 aspiring STEM kids to give a taste of third-year university biochemistry and research.
We performed a two-day experiment in a level two lab using human cell lines and micropipettes. Our research was about the pathways into human cells of two proteins, and to see if we could successfully inhibit that pathway so the protein makers would stay on the outside of the cell.
On the final day of the program, we gave a presentation on our results to several researchers in TRI and PhD students. Through this program, I have learned lab skills with highly precise equipment, data analysis, and interpretation of microscope cell images and gained an insight into biochemistry research.
This program has inspired me to continue my STEM studies and pursue a career in the sciences, and I highly recommend to any student that is interested in STEM and research.
What is SPARQ-ed?
SPARQ-ed (pronounced spark ed) is a unique educational facility established in collaboration between the Department of Education and The University of Queensland. Our cutting edge facility features a fully equipped PC2 biomedical teaching laboratory and learning centre, located at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane, providing school students a practical introduction to biomedical research.
To find out more, visit:
https://di.uq.edu.au/sparq-ed