19 July 2011

Students from Toowong’s Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology have seen first-hand how research is conducted in a cutting-edge lab.

Four students from Year 10 spent a week at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at St Lucia, conducting experiments and watching researchers at work.

Myky Tran, Megan Huynh, Alexandra Grant and Fiona Dao assembled virus-like particles, which AIBN researchers use to develop a new generation of vaccines.

The students prepared self-assembling proteins using the UQ Microbial Vaccine Platform and successfully triggered proteins to form virus-like particles.

They analysed these particles using electron microscopy.

AIBN researchers spoke to the students about chromatography, recombinant DNA technology and microanalysis while showing them the specialist equipment needed to perform such tasks.

Group mentor and AIBN post-doctoral researcher Dr Yap Pang Chuan said the aim of the week was for students to get an idea of what really happened in a lab.

“We wanted students to see the diverse activities that take place at AIBN and appreciate how the research contributes to the creation of tomorrow’s technology in areas such as vaccines,” Dr Chuan said.

Megan said the multi-million dollar equipment in the AIBN labs was impressive and the potential for technological advances was hard to comprehend.

Alexandra said a week in the lab had strengthened her resolve to become a scientist and pursue a career in research.

Myky said a career in research seemed less daunting after her time at AIBN.

“When you think about science, it seems really serious. The environment is more relaxed than I expected. The people are really open and easy-going.”

Fiona said she joined the program after hearing AIBN Professor Anton Middelberg speak with passion and enthusiasm at the school earlier this year.

“I wanted to know more and this was the perfect opportunity,” she said.

“I feel I can relate to the researchers as normal people. I am thinking of going into the science area.”

Media: Erik de Wit (3346 3962, 0427 281 466)