School of Infection & Immunity

The School of Infection & Immunity's Deborah Sym and a team of volunteers recently ran a special STEM Day in support of local charity Bridging The Gap.

Established in 1998 and based in the Gorbals, Bridging The Gap works with young people, families, and people from different backgrounds and cultures to support schools transtion, tackle sectarianism and build community relations.

The charity initially approached Sii to request a series outreach events over the school summer holidays, and Technician Deborah responded to the call by putting together an exciting programme of activities.

After the overwhelming success of the initial event, staged in July, Sii scientists were invited back to the Oatlands Community Centre in response to the community's request for more science-based events.

Activities delivered by Deborah and her team of volunteers included jelly cells and germs experiments, parasitology comics, and a colouring and learning table, which were enjoyed by participants old and young.

Deborah said: "As a STEM Ambassador I enjoy making science fun for younger generations - and increasing awareness of their future possibilities at the University of Glasgow!

"This charity, Bridging the Gap, makes a hugely positive impact on local clients and we hope to work with them again in the near future.

"We received amazing feedback from people across the community who mentioned our enthusiasm and knowledge and putting a fun spin on science to make the subject interesting to people of all ages. We had everyone from adults to four-month-old babies in attendance.

"Thank you to Susan Clark for reaching out and once again thank you so much to my volunteers for both this and last month's events: Jennifer Barrie, Madeleine Cunningham, Adnan Alhindi, Claire Donald, Conor Feehily, and Ruaraidh Macgregor."

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First published: 14 August 2024