Students Edward, Ebony, Ruby, Dakotah and their teacher Joanne Martin had a rare opportunity to experience life as a biomedical scientist at the event presented by the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, and the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC).
Professor Matthew Watt, head of the University’s Department of Physiology, encouraged the students to think about the science behind what creates, sustains and threatens people’s lives in Australia – and beyond.
He shared his journey to biomedical academia including his laboratory’s ground-breaking research into the parthenogenesis of fatty liver disease and diabetes.
Prof Watt discussed some of the revolutionary work under way at the School and GTAC, including biological processes, how and why researchers now have a better understanding of human health, 3D printing to replace bones, genomics and new tools for cancer treatments, and new vaccines to combat disease.
Students worked alongside researchers in the GTAC laboratories to photograph specimens using light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes.
They have entered their images into the university’s Under the Microscope competition.
A behind-the-scenes look at the university’s Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology uncovered real tissue specimens and historical anatomical models.
While a tour of the Virtual Reality Learning Studio let students experience how cutting-edge digital technology is used to study the human body.
Benalla student Ebony has a strong interest in anatomy.
"I would love to study here one day” she said following the visit.