Student granted scholarship with heart
Learning new skills as part of a prestigious scholarship with the Heart Research Institute in Australia has been an eye opener for Tokoroa’s Bailey Mcintosh.
The former Forest View High School student, who is studying medical laboratory science with a specialisation in immunology/ virology and clinical chemistry at the Auckland University of Technology, was one of seven New Zealanders awarded eight-week summer research scholarships with the Sydney based institute.
By using money fundraised by New Zealand donors, the aim was to allow New Zealand students to gain skills and knowledge which could then be applied back in New Zealand.
Mcintosh said it all started when she saw the scholarship advertised on Seek.
‘‘I thought it sounded like an awesome opportunity as I have always wanted a career in research but it is a difficult field to get into here,’’ she said.
During her Australian stint she said she was able to see the difference between diagnostic work and research.
‘‘The scholarship has allowed me to see what a research environment is really like and taught me so many skills I haven’t learned in my diagnostic degree,’’ she said.
‘‘From the new skills I learned, to the people I met, something new was always happening.’’
Mcintosh said she now wants to get more into research, particularly with cardiac disease which is prevalent in New Zealand..
‘‘My long term goals definitely include that area. I would definitely like to contribute whatever I can to preventing it,’’ she said.
‘‘Immunology research is also something I’m very interested in so I’ll have to wait and see which path I head down.’’
Mcintosh thanked all those who have been helping and supporting her during her studies.