High school student immersed in stem cell science

Year 10 student Sebastian completed his Work Experience week with Nadia Rajab from the Centre for Stem Cell Systems, to learn about stem cells and immunology related research and where a career in science can take him.

Sebastian is interested in biology, particularly neuroscience and genetics and was excited to use his work experience week to understand how research is conducted in the lab.

Nadia Rajab, a PhD student with the Centre, hosted Sebastian and planned a full week of activities relating to stem cell research, showcasing the Centre’s breadth of activities.

Sebastian assisted with setting up experiments to identify and characterise cell types in a sample. He spoke with computational biologists about how to visualise big biological data and explored how science communications and ethics compliment research.

Sebastian expressed gratitude for the experience. “I have gained a new perspective on what it takes to become a scientist and the work I need to put into my studies during high school to make this a reality for my future; I have clarity on my future career aspirations. I would also like to thank Nadia for this unforgettable opportunity.”

Professor Christine Wells, Centre Director, said that “We were delighted to welcome Sebastian to the Centre. Our students are trained to be leaders in research and in the communication of their work.  Nadia’s mentorship of Sebastian embodies the Centre’s ethos of collaboration, research excellence and engagement”

A special thanks to Prof Christine Wells, Dr Rosa McCarty, Dr Vanta Jameson, Dr Matthew Rutar, Dr Paul Angel, and Helen Braybrook for taking time out of their day to speak with Sebastian about their work.

Expressions of interest to complete the 2019 work experience week with the Centre for Stem Cell Systems will open mid next year.