The countdown is on! It’s less than two weeks before I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here! in Australia starts again in August. So it’s time to announce the scientists and schools taking part.
The event will be running from 26th August – 6th September. It features two themed zones – Brain and Micro Life – and a general Nitrogen Zone. We have scientists from across the country in disciplines including health, medical research, computer science, nanotechnology, astronomy and animal welfare.
Our Nitrogen Zone is supported by the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE) (SA). The participation of wine chemist David Jeffery in the Nitrogen Zone is supported by the Waite Research Institute.
Schools
We have 31 regional and metropolitan schools taking part, from states and territories across Australia. We know energy levels will be high and classes at these schools will have a great experience. Fourteen of these schools are participating for a second, third or fourth time, and we look forward to welcoming many more new ones in our next event scheduled for May 2014!
Scientists
Competition for scientists was again tough and we were thrilled that the demand has enabled us to field two themed and one general zone. Scientists have thoroughly enjoyed previous events and found the experience useful. One of our Scientists from a previous season of I’m a Scientist said this:
“I gained a real appreciation for what I do, also I realised how much stuff my brain has remember over the years about all sciences. I had questions that bought back studies I did in first year university. I thought I had forgotten all that stuff, but it is hidden in my brain somewhere….”
So here are the zones for August!
Brain Zone
Scientists
| Emma Stewart | University of Adelaide (SA) | I research how the brain processes visual information to turn it into accurate hand movements. |
| Peter Enticott | Monash University (VIC) | I conduct research into the neuroscience of autism spectrum disorder. |
| Sarah Blunden | Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute (SA) | I am a sleep scientist researching sleep in children and adolescents in the sleep laboratory and in the field. |
| Josien de Bie | Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University (NSW) | I try to figure out how the brain communicates with the heart to help cure sleep apnoea and heart disease. |
| Kristyn Bates @batesyk |
University of Western Australia (WA) | I’m interested in helping the brain heal itself after brain injury. |
Schools
- Toormina High School, NSW, Year 9
- Clover Hill State School, QLD, Years 5, 6, 7
- Kenmore State High School, QLD, Years 8, 10
- Mannum Community College, SA, Year 8
- Murray Bridge High School, SA, Year 9
- Saint-Petersburg Secondary School, Saint-Petersburg, Years 6, 8, 10
- Baden Powell College, VIC, Years 7, 8, 9
- Corryong College, VIC, Years 9, 10
- Kilbreda College, VIC, Years 7, 8, 9
- Glen Eira College, VIC, Year 8
- The Knox School, VIC, Year 7
- Manea Senior College, WA, Year 11
- Bertram Primary School, WA, Year 5
Micro Life Zone
Scientists
| Mia Zeric | University of Sydney (NSW) | Gene flow without borders: Gene transfer and protein activity across clinical and environmental bacteria. |
| Melanie Thomson @dr_mel_thomson |
Deakin Medical School (VIC) | Looking at how gastro and skin bacteria affect the host. |
| Anissa Jabbour | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research (VIC) | To analyse how cells decide to either live or die. |
| Eleanor Campbell @Elamanor |
Australian National University (ACT) | I’m a biochemist, which means I work with nature’s amazing catalysts: enzymes! |
| Sam Askin @samaskin |
James Cook University (QLD) | Getting into the nitty-gritty of protein characterization for drug discovery. |
Schools
- Lakeland Elementary Middle School, MD, USA, Year 5
- Mullumbimby High, NSW, Years 7, 8, 9, 10
- School of the Air, NT
- Kenmore State High School, QLD, Year 10
- Kelvin Grove State College, QLD, Years 6, 10
- Pimpama State Secondary College, QLD, Year 7
- Australian Science & Mathematics School, SA, Years 10, 11, 12
- Alphington Grammar School, VIC
- Diamond Valley College, VIC, Year 7
- Emmaus College, VIC, Years 8, 11
Nitrogen Zone
Scientists
| Peter Perry | Defence Science and Technology Organisation (SA) | Computer software – architecture, design implementation. |
| Kyler Kuehn @kwkuehn |
Australian Astronomical Observatory (NSW) | I research new technologies and build equipment for new telescopes! |
| Michael Cronin @MickCronin101 |
University of New South Wales, Canberra (ACT) | I use chemistry to detect explosives. |
| Mia Cobb | Monash University (VIC) | Following my undergraduate studies (BSc-Hons/Zoology) and after 10 years of working in shelters and working dog organisations, I am currently in the final year of my PhD researching various aspects of working dog welfare. |
| David Jeffery | University of Adelaide (SA) | I teach people about the chemistry of wine and I research the parts of grapes and wines which are important to style and quality. |
Schools
- Clapham Primary School, SA, Year 6
- The Hills Grammar School, NSW, Year 10
- Riverside Girls High, NSW, Year 9
- Elanora State School, QLD Years 5, 6, 7
- Woodcrest State College, QLD
- Annesley Junior School, SA, Year 5
- Roxby Downs Area School, SA, Year 10
- Corryong College, VIC, Years 7, 8
- Liddiard Road Primary School, VIC, Years 5, 6
- St Joseph’s Crib Point, VIC, Year 5
- Australind Senior High School, WA, Years 8, 9, 10, 12
- Kapinara Primary School, WA, Years 6, 7
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