Innovators inspire kids on careers
Dr Siouxsie Wiles from the University of Auckland has landed her dream job, and she was in Nelson on Thursday aiming to inspire children to pursue theirs.
"I have two big passions; creatures that glow in the dark, and nasty bacteria, and my job allows me to make nasty bacteria glow in the dark," said the scientist, taking part in the city’s 7th annual Inspire Festival, designed to encourage the region’s school children to think creatively about their careers.
"It’s not a job I realised existed as a child," said Wiles, whose work helps understand how infectious microbes make us sick.
"In my lab we’re trying to find new medicines, so [showing children] the connection between things we sometimes maybe think are not worth studying, can lead to amazing advancements, perhaps years and years later."
Astrid Sayer, 12, from Nelson Intermediate said she got a lot out of the bioluminescent bacteria workshop.
"I already have a huge interest in science, especially biology, so I think this has definitely just reinforced that excitement I have for investigation in that sort of area."
Over 100 workshops were on offer for primary and intermediate aged children at the two-day event at Nayland College, organised by the local education charity, Ministry of Inspiration.
Topics ranged from brain research, DNA, international aid, and plant and food research, to special effects and singing.
Nine-year-old Mapua school student, Woody Keen, said he learnt a lot from a hands-on session about the physics of fire.
"It has to run off oxygen, fuel and heat ... a fire wouldn’t run without those things."
More sessions were being held than in previous years due to the change in venue, with over 700 tickets sold; a record for the event. About a fifth were given on scholarship with help from local businesses, Ministry of Inspiration co-founder Amy Cornelisen said.
"What we want the kids to go away with is that every career, no matter what it is, needs that creative, innovative side."
"If you want a real career that has promise and value, you need to be able to bring in other skills, because our technology is changing all the time ... and the arts and innovation will lead to that."
Sir John Kirwan also made a special appearance at the Inspire Festival. The former All Black and New Zealand rugby coach (in Nelson for an unrelated event) has spoken openly about his battles with depression.
"I’m quite often dealing with kids that are struggling," Nayland College house dean Sam Maitland said
"You get down to the bottom of that, and it often is around mental health, or especially these days around anxiety. So it’s really nice to be able to have those key figures in the community that are willing to share what they’ve done about it as well."
"I have two big passions; creatures that glow in the dark, and nasty bacteria, and my job allows me to make nasty bacteria glow in the dark." — Dr Siouxsie Wiles.