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On the morning of Wednesday 24th June 2009 Kingsway Christian College was privileged to have the WA Chief Scientist visiting to address Year 10, 11 and 12 students on the “Magic of Science”. Professor Lyn Beazley was introduced to staff and students by Mr Mark Webb, Chair of the College Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. It was a cold, rainy morning and Mr Webb amused all present by stating that Japanese research has shown that we receive information best at temperatures of around 9 C.
Our distinguished speaker, Professor Beazley, received the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) award on Australia Day 2009. Her citation was for service to medical science, particularly in the field of brain-related research both nationally and internationally, and as a contributor to the development of science policy in Western Australia. Professor Beazley exuded enthusiasm for science as she focused her interesting presentation on the merits of students becoming scientists. Professor Beazley gave fascinating details of scientific discoveries right on our doorstep here in Perth, such as the discovery of Helicobactor Pylori (the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers) by Robin Warren and Barry Marshall and Professor Fiona Wood’s spray-on skin. Staff and students were also inspired by details of the fact that Australia is shortlisted as one of only two countries to host potentially the biggest science project on the planet, the Square Kilometre Array, using thousands of radio telescopes joined by fibre optics spread over thousands of kilometres. The proposed core site would be in Western Australia.
After her talk Professor Beazley was thanked and given a gift by College Captain, Gemma Little and then joined several Board members, staff and nominated students at a morning tea where refreshments and delicious home-made eats were served by students from the Home Economics department who were dressed in their traditional white apparel. Professor Beazley spent time talking warmly to the Home Economics students and student leaders present. Kingsway Christian College was honoured to have such a high profile and inspiring speaker visit and give up her valuable time for the benefit of our students.
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