Visit to The University of Auckalnd Medical School

  27th May 2021.

Level 3 biology students working on AS91602 (Intergarte biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific response) Genomics. They got an opportunity to go to the University of Auckland and talk to different scientists who are working in this field. Dr Thierry helped us to organise a visit and we are very thankful to him for this opportunity.

This trip was on 27 May and Students to arrive at 85 Park Road, Grafton (main reception area/atrium) and the day started with Karakia (given by Malakai ‘Ofanoa). Then, Drs Collin Tukuitonga and Malakai ‘Ofanoa talked about his journey at Auckland University and talks/Discussions by young bio/medical professionals about career experiences, and/or their research and, where applicable, the intersection with genomics. Dr Kimiora Henare obtained a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Auckland, before completing an MHSc at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC) under the supervision of Professor Lai-Ming Ching. He s also researching Genomics into Medicines. Genomics Into Medicine (GIM) is a University of Auckland Strategic Research Initiative for research-led clinical genomics. GIM aims to generate a multi-disciplinary network of scientists and DHB clinicians, who align around the common vision of improving patient care through genomics. This network will connect with scientists and clinicians from other NZ universities and overseas and will be guided by Māori medical and scientific leaders.

After that, Students briefed on etiquette and rules when visiting the AMRF Medical Sciences Learning Center (no photography, respect of those persons, passed, represented in the MSLC pathology collection).  Students informed that if they feel uncomfortable, they are welcome to wait outside the MSLC (accompanied) during that part of the visit. During visiting of AMRF lab students saw different specimens related to their study and they were very happy and enjoying that time. They had a lot of questions and were asking different researchers. We had limited time and we came back to school before lunch. Genomics team at Auckland Uni.