What we do My name is William Wilson from Rutherford College.
There is something so enthralling about the human brain because it is uncharted yet immense. I enjoy learning, and always want to learn more beyond what is taught. So it was that one lunchtime I happened to be considering the human brain, not even knowing the correct name of the study of it. Not more than a month later, my science teacher mentioned the Brain Bee. Sure, it meant learning outside school, but it was exactly the sort of thing I would want to know.
Even as someone who prefers physics and chemistry to biology, I found the neuroscientific information scintillating and, in the end, rewarding. Going to the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research not only showed me the wonder of neuroscience in person, but also gave me insight into university life. Being around students with similar interests and attitudes made the visit amazing. To then be given a one-day internship was incredible. It’s just not the sort of thing that anyone expects until it happens, and it’s the highlight of the year.
Going behind the scenes and witnessing the research fronts with the people working on them was mind-boggling. Looking back over the day genuinely brings only the word “wow” to mind.
It is such an odd thing to be marvelling over something that could seem rather harrowing. But being with the people who get to work with brains and experiencing their enthusiasm brought me beyond the disturbing idea of it. The experience was so comforting with all the young and older people with a vast interest that they were excited to share.
From the scientists and students in the labs and Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank to the workers of the broader reaches of neuroscience with MRI and the anatomy centre, the Brain Bee experience was amazingly inspiring.
William Wilson - Rutherford College
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