From Dec 2023 to May 2024, three pupils from Maia High School (Escola Secundária da Maia) undertook a mini-internship at the Molecular Biomaterials group, in the scope of their Biology discipline.
Under the supervision of Karen Galle, a research fellow of the group, Beatriz Sousa, Irene Constantino, and Maria Veiga, developed the project “HealingScales” to create a hydrogel with healing properties based on keratin extracted from the moulting skins of snakes from the Maia Zoo.
Notably, the students presented this work at three events devoted to pupils’s scientific literacy: Mostra Nacional de Ciência 2024; 12th Science Fair -Hands on Science, and BIOFASE Congress of Research in Bioengineering in Secondary Education, where in this last one, they were awarded the Best poster.
According to them, it was challenging to encapsulate their experience at the i3S, but “enriching” was the word that came to their mind. On their words “We gained invaluable knowledge from Dr. Helena and Dr. Karen, ranging from specific project details to broader, equally important aspects of communication and collaboration in science. Undertaking a project of this magnitude was undoubtedly demanding, but working with an institution like i3S provided us with the motivation and support we needed. We are incredibly grateful to i3S, and especially to Dr. Karen and Dr. Helena, for their availability, assistance, and understanding throughout these months. We look forward to continuing our project and hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with the doctors and i3S again in the future.”
Congratulations on all their achievements!
