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<\/p>\n[:en]On 19th and 20th June, the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics launched the Bi-annual Job Shadow Program – which provided science-enthusiastic scholars the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a clinical research laboratory. The 2-day event was attended by 9 secondary school learners, ranging in grade level (Gr 9 to 11), from several high schools within the Tygerberg Medical Campus surrounding area.<\/p>\n
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The program began with an introductory talk, wherein attendees were introduced to the various research groups within our division and given a brief overview of the heat their research entails and how they conduct said research. Following this, the attendees where given a safety talk by BSL-3 manager, Dr Nasiema Allie, and given a in-depth tour of the facilities. Notable, much of our research is focused on tuberculosis – a communicable, air-borne disease – wherein our staff and students utilise infected samples to study both the bacteria and host immune response. Several precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all staff and student, including access controlled entry into specialised laboratories wherein all infectious samples are processed. For safety reasons, the job shadow attendees were not permitted entry into these areas, however a demonstration of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used within these laboratory was done and the importance and purpose of the various safety procedures and protocols discussed.<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n
\u201c\u2026a fun and educational experience\u201d – Anonymous<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The first of the interactive program sessions for Day 1 included an <\/span>ELISA<\/span><\/a> (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) demonstration with members from the SU Animal TB Research Group. This assay is used by researchers within MBHG to detect <\/span>Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)<\/span> infection, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis disease, wherein samples are mixed with a variety of chemicals and the resulting reaction observed. If a host has traces of the bacteria in their system, a colour change will occur indicating infection. For this demonstration, each student was given a “sample” and asked to perform a mini ELISA, following the direction of the scientist in charge. These samples were simple water, some of which were spiked with a powdered compound that when mixed with a chemical within the mock ELISA kit, changed colour. <\/span><\/p>\nngg_shortcode_1_placeholder\n
\u201c..It was extremely interesting and helpful. I enjoyed it a lot! All of the people are so friendly\u201d – Tia Crous<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The second session of the day took place in the SU Immunology Research Lab where attendees witnessed a real life <\/span>PBMC<\/span><\/a> (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) isolation. This technique is regularly employed by researchers to isolate and study specific immune cell types within the blood to better understand their function and role within disease. During the session, attendees did some practical work wherein they performed the “daunting” layering process used within the PBMC isolation method. For this demonstration, the “blood” used for this procedure was replaced with coloured saline to ensure the students safety at all times. The students were then given a briefing regarding <\/span>cryopreservation<\/span><\/a> (storing of biological samples at subzero temperatures) and the necessary precautions to take when working with liquid nitrogen.<\/span><\/p>\nngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\n
\u201cI really enjoyed everything we\u2019ve learnt and done :)\u201d – Chloe Wanza<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Day 2 started off with a bang in the TB Genomics Laboratory! Job shadow attendees were given the opportunity to perform a DNA extraction on real <\/span>M.tb<\/span> samples that had been heat sterilised\/killed to ensure safety. <\/span>DNA extraction<\/span><\/a> techniques are fundamental in genetic research and enable scientists to study the “master code” of an organism, providing insight into the function and necessity of various molecular mechanisms that ensure survival of the organism under investigation. Within the TB genomics lab, this method is used to study <\/span>M.tb<\/span> strains to identify bacterial resistance and investigate possible new drug targets to combat infection. This activity was the highlight for many of the attendees and involved 2-full hours on hands-on activities.<\/span><\/p>\nngg_shortcode_3_placeholder\n