Microbiologist inspires budding scientists

Creating bacterial cell shapes using play-dough may sound like an unusual task to give school students.

But when Dr Bernadette McCabe visits a Darling Downs school to present a science workshop, she aims to show youngsters in the most memorable way possible why she is passionate about biology.

The USQ Microbiology Senior Lecturer is renowned for her exciting demonstrations on the ‘biological’ influences in everyday life.

'I like to promote the sciences by using a hands-on approach and real life examples,' Dr McCabe said.

'My aim is to introduce school students to biology by showing how it is connected to them personally, socially and in the community.'

During the past eight years Dr McCabe has been involved with a number of successful school science programs including National Science Week, The Science and Engineering Challenge, Girls and Boys in Maths, Technology and Science Summer School, Ag-Ed, the Scientists in Schools program and ‘A Scientific Mind – Creating Connections’.

'One year for National Science Week we held a Science Circus under a big marquee, where school age children from Year 1 to Year 12 participated in various sessions,' Dr McCabe said.

'My sessions during that week ranged from modelling bacterial cell shapes with colourful play-dough on Petri dishes, to discussing my current research and science careers with the seniors.'

Dr McCabe said she believed an interest in science needed to be fostered from a young age to ensure a positive attitude and involvement in the sciences with future generations.

'Since the early 1990s Australia has seen a decrease in the number of students studying science at University, which could lead to a serious shortfall of students undertaking science careers in years to come,' she said.

'I also hope to positively influence female students by way of conveying my own experiences through storytelling and hopefully be someone that they can perhaps identify with.'

Dr McCabe teaches undergraduate students undertaking degree programs in biomedical science, biology and nursing, as well as an administrative role as Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the Biological Sciences.

Her main area of research is in the field of the microbial production of biofuels, in collaboration with USQ colleagues in the faculties of Engineering and Surveying, and Sciences.

In recognition of her University research and inspiring work with teachers and students in schools and the community, Dr McCabe received a 2009 Best of the WEST Award for Innovation in Science and Maths.

'It was wonderful to be recognised with this award for work that I am passionate about, and I encourage my colleagues to submit nominations for the 2010 awards.'

Following on from last year’s success, Best of the WEST organisers are seeking nominations of the region’s most outstanding women and girls in non-traditional fields.

The Awards are open to women and girls in Engineering, Science (including Maths) and Technology (SET) located in regional, rural and remote areas of Queensland, as well as USQ female staff and students.

Within USQ, the Go WEST (Go Women in Engineering, Science and Technology) project team coordinates the Awards to recognise and celebrate the achievement of outstanding women and girls who are leading in the fields of engineering, science, mathematics and technology, where females are traditionally under-represented.

The award categories for 2010 are:

• Go WEST Primary School Student Award
• Go WEST Secondary School Student Award
• Go WEST USQ Student Award – Engineering and Surveying
• Go WEST USQ Student Award - Sciences
• Go WEST USQ Student Award – Mathematics
• Go WEST USQ Student Award – Technology
• Go WEST USQ Student Community Involvement Award
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award – Engineering and Surveying
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award - Technology
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award - Innovation in Emerging Technologies
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award - Access & Equity Award
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award - Research Award
• Go WEST Professional/Business Award - Vice-Chancellor’s Community Project
• Go WEST USQ Indigenous Award
• Highly commended awards may be awarded

Nominations close on Friday, September 10. This year’s award ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 14 at the Allison Dickson Theatre.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.usq.edu.au/gowest