Trip a mix of fun and science

It was an extraordinary science trip for Palmerston North Girls' High School student Jenny Wong, 17, who was awarded a scholarship to the 2009 Professor Harry Messel International Science School.

Miss Wong, who plans to study medicine, spent two weeks in Sydney at the end of July learning at the School of Physics.

Only five scholarships were awarded to New Zealand students and 145 students attended the two-week-long trip.

Students were from all around the world including America and Japan.

Miss Wong said the trip was a great experience for her.

"I'm really into science. I know it is something I want to do. And I had never been to Australia."

Biology is her favourite science and although she went on a more physics-based trip everything she learnt can still be applied.

"Everyone is born being curious and science allows us to know more about life on earth and gives us a new and better approach to things."

Lectures were given by professors from Australia, someone from NASA and a French university lecturer.

One of the things Miss Wong liked the most about the experience was the people she got to meet and learn from.

"You definitely know that the people that are going are intelligent and work hard to get there. From some of the countries students had to take an exam."

Social activities were also included during the two weeks and Miss Wong was able to see the harbour bridge and the Opera House as well as attend the Beauty and the Geek disco.

Miss Wong received her $3000 scholarship through the Royal Society of New Zealand and was also given funds from her school.


- © Fairfax NZ News BY CAITLIN MADDEN
Last updated 12:00 11/08/2009

Palmerston North student Jenny Wong spent two weeks studying in Sydney as one of five NZ students to be awarded a scholarship to the 2009 Professor Harry Messel International Science School.
WARWICK SMITH/Manawatu Standard
BUDDING SCIENTIST: Palmerston North student Jenny Wong spent two weeks studying in Sydney as one of five NZ students to be awarded a scholarship to the 2009 Professor Harry Messel International Science School.