The Otago University, Christchurch Campus recently hosted the DARE (Discover, Achieve, Research, and Engage) event, an inspiring initiative that welcomed high school students from Christchurch to explore careers and study pathways in the health sciences. The Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Medicine played a key role in showcasing opportunities in biomedical research.
Dr Max Yavitt said “Students visited our table where we introduced our research and talked about working in Musculoskeletal and Regenerative Medicine. We showed videos and demonstrations on biomedical implants, bioprinting, and hydrogels to engage the students.”
Dr Max Yavitt and Student Theresa Konig deliver their presentations.
An example of PhD student Joyce Guo’s simulator in use.
Students also had the chance to hear presentations from Dr Yavitt and CReaTE PhD student Theresa.
They provided insights into their own research projects and also shared practical advice on pursuing careers in biomedical engineering. “We each discussed our educational journeys and how we started working at the University of Otago,” Dr Yavitt explained. “Then, we talked briefly about specific projects we're working on and how we apply biomedical engineering principles in our research.”
In addition, another highlight for the Department was a hands-on display by final-year medical student and PhD candidate Joyce Guo, who showcased her PhD project—an augmented reality simulator designed for orthopaedic doctors to practice operating on childhood elbow fractures.
The simulator, which uses real-time X-ray imaging to reflect the positioning of bone and wire as the user manipulates a model and drill, offered students a tangible glimpse into the integration of clinical practice and research. Students with an interest in medicine were particularly keen to discuss with Joyce the logistics of balancing a vocational course with research and expressed excitement about the growing role of technology in medical education.
Christchurch High School students in University of Otago, Christchurch Campus, Rolleston Theatre.
The DARE event aimed to give high school students clear insights into the field of science and research, encouraging them to consider future studies at Otago University in fields like musculoskeletal medicine.