News & events
NanoCamp and DiscoveryCamp 2024
16 April, 2024
We held our annual science camps for secondary students at the end of January, with NanoCamp running in Auckland 21-25 January and DiscoveryCamp in Wellington 22-26 January.
NanoCamp was organised by Associate Investigators Dr Elke Pahl and Associate Professor Viji Sarojini (both based at the Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland), and attended by 10 students aged between 16 and 18. The camp programme involved sessions on nanoparticles, solar cells, a visit to Photon Factory and a day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island, as well as a number of social activities and a panel discussion with current PhD students talking about their own journeys in science and academia. The camp also included contributions from Belinda Turner, Communications Officer for the South Australian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF-SA), who gave a talk about their facilities and their popular Microengineering School program. Deputy Director Associate Professor Anna Garden attended the first two days of the camp as well and gave an introduction to the MacDiarmid Institute.
NanoCamp 2024 attendees, organisers and volunteers in Albert Park, Auckland.
NanoCamp exceeded my expectations. The combination of intensive learning, collaborative projects and meaningful connections created an environment conducive to my growth, both academically and socially.
NanoCamp attendee, 2024
Associate Investigators Dr Luke Liu and Dr Baptiste Auguié (Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington), ran DiscoveryCamp which was also attended by 10 students between the ages of 16 and 18. Activities included building solar cells, sessions with MRI and electron microscopy, space science, lab visits and activities at GNS Science and the Robinson Research Institute, as well as visits to the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries. DiscoveryCamp alumnae Eteroa Lafaele, talked to the students about her pathway through science. Deputy Director Māori Associate Professor Pauline Harris ran a session at the Carter Observatory, and Stakeholder Relations Partner Iwi Diane Bradshaw accompanied the students and supported them throughout the week.
DiscoveryCamp 2024 attendees during visit to Zealandia.
DiscoveryCamp gave me a sense of community and also made me feel more confident now that I know other amazing Pacific people that have gone through what I am going through now and have succeeded in finding a career in a science they love.
DiscoveryCamp attendee, 2024
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