Eye Surgeon on Campus
On Friday 18 May Darwin High School welcomed eye surgeon, Professor Justine Smith on campus to speak to some of our Year 10 students as part of the Australian Superstars of STEM program.
Professor Justine Smith, FRANZCO, FRACS, PhD, FAHMS, is an eye surgeon and vision scientist, based at Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, whose research team studies emerging infectious diseases of the eye (Ebola, zika, dengue, Toxoplasma) and non-infectious inflammatory eye diseases akin to rheumatoid arthritis in the eye. She also has a clinic where she treats patients with inflammatory eye disease.
Justine is one of 30 Superstars of STEM. A program from Science and Technology Australia to provide role models for Australian girls and young women to inspire careers in STEM.Justine flew up from Adelaide to talk with Year 11 Biology students and the Year 10 Girls Science class about her work with infectious eye diseases and her pathway to where she is now through her studies, work and research. Students were engaged in her talk via first hand photographs and diagrams of eye infections. Much of the information provided was a useful introduction for the Term 4 Year 11 Biology unit on Infectious Diseases.
Pictured above: DHS Science teachers with Professor Justine Smith
By student reporter Misa MacDonald
In May, Darwin High School was lucky enough to have a medical eye doctor visit to guest speak for our Year 11 Biology class who were granted the chance to participate in this valuable learning experience. Dr. Professor Justine Smith taught students detailed facts about eye diseases, the anatomy of the eye and how to ensure optimum safety regarding eyes/eyesight. Students who participated in this event recalled it as “educational and exciting!” Another said “being someone who is working towards pursuing a medical field as a career, listening to these professionals speak was extremely interesting.” To say the least, Darwin High School students greatly enjoyed this event and cannot wait for more to come.
