Firstly, Rachel McGovern, a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Officer from the microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital, talked about career pathways to becoming a biomedical scientist as well as the day to day work undertaken within her department. She explained all of the different strands of biomedical science and fascinated students with her stories.

It’s interesting how biomedical scientists are able to identify pathogens through cultivating them in different mediums with different molecules and how they are able to compare these against each other.

Aubrey, Year 12

Later in the week Rob Deaville, Project Manager for the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme at the Zoological Society of London, performed a porpoise post-mortem. Students had a deep dive into the adaptations that allow cetaceans to communicate underwater and also had the opportunity to learn about the data that the researchers collect to provide them with valuable information on contaminants and the general health of the marine ecosystem.

‘I found the dissection an amazing opportunity for us to learn more about the porpoises, and this experience taught me so much about their incredible adaptations and anatomy!’

Liliana, Year 10

‘I learnt so much, I thought the parts about the different pathogens and parasites that can affect the cetaceans was really interesting!’

Annabel, Year 11