Laboratories welcome Brownie science investigators

Posted 26 June 2015

The science laboratories at Harper Adams University welcomed some younger-than-usual users in June, when 1st Newport Brownies visited to undertake work for their Science Investigator badge. 

A total of 20 Brownies took part in microbiology, DNA extraction, chromatography and materials analysis activities.

Laboratories Manager Dr Victoria Talbot, whose daughter Olivia was one of the Brownies taking part, said: “The activities were run by myself, Senior Lecturer in Food Safety Dr Lynn McIntyre and Jane Cooper, who is a STEM ambassador and senior laboratories technician. 

“I purposely only had female staff involved because I believe that it's important to demonstrate to girls the importance and relevance of STEM activities for them. 

“They all played an active part in the activities and it was a pleasure to have them in the laboratories. I hope some of them are inspired to pursue scientific careers in the future.”

The UK Government support various initiatives to encourage more youngsters, girls in particular, to study STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.