2024 SPARQ-ed Junior Research Engagement Program

Year 8 student Kaelan has been offered a place on the 2024 SPARQ-ed Junior Research Engagement Program to be held at the Translational Research Institute in the school holidays.

Kaelan has been participating in the Year 8 Pacific Plus program, investigating the regenerative properties of planaria flatworms, where his enthusiasm for laboratory practices was observed by the Science Laboratory technician Mrs Farmer. Mrs Farmer shared this residential research opportunity with Kaelan and his application was supported by the Head of Science Mrs Richards.

The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a leading Australian medical research facility established by research partners, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health. TRI provides scientists with access to research, clinical trials and expertise to improve health care outcomes. Kaelan is interested in pursuing a career in medicine and is excited about working in a state-of-the-art professional environment.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Middle College