STARs teachers with their model of DNA at the UCD Conway Institute
Since 2004, SFI researchers at UCD have welcomed secondary school teachers into their laboratories over the summer under the SFI Secondary Teachers Assistant Researchers (STARs) programme. The goal is to help teachers renew their interest in science as researchers and bring their new knowledge back to the classroom.
Research projects include examining state-of-the-art microchip production, analysing hepatitis viruses, searching our galaxy for sources of very high energy gamma rays and embarking on the first step of drug discovery by preparing novel anti-inflammatory compounds.
Dr Stephen Gammell is a teacher working with Dr John Quinn from the UCD School of Physics analysing data from VERITAS, a new array of telescopes located in Arizona. These telescopes are being used to search for galactic objects that emit very high energy gamma-rays. Working with PhD students, Stephen builds an understanding of the data downloaded from the telescopes. “He brings extensive experience to the group and is writing software to check the integrity of the data,” explains Dr Quinn.
Director of the CSCB, Professor Pat Guiry is also hosting two teachers in his research lab. Peter Scully and Ciara O’Driscoll have joined a team of chemists searching for ways to make new economic and environmentally friendly catalysts with potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
In addition to the research, the science teachers are invited to take part in a five week STAR Research Survival Skills support programme hosted in turn by education and outreach personnel in UCD, the RCSI, DCU and TCD.
