Researchers give talk to school pupils in Mexico
12 October 2020
At the end of September Dr Rana Khalife and Dr Stephen Morris joined UCL Biochemical Engineering Alumnus Balasundaram Bangaru for an online talk with his pupils at the Edron Academy. They discussed research, engineering and especially Stem Cell and Gene Therapy and Vaccines.
![Dr Rana Khalife and Dr Stephen Morris Dr Rana Khalife and Dr Stephen Morris](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biochemical-engineering/sites/biochemical_engineering/files/styles/large_image/public/rana-khalife-stephen-morris-800x500_0.jpg?itok=VQqw9Cex)
We were very pleased to join Bala's pupils at the Edron Academy in Mexico to discuss our work at UCL Biochemical Engineering including our research and the degrees we offer. Over the summer Stephen and Rana both took part in online taster lectures and the pupils in Bala's class asked follow-up questions to those sessions. It was also a great chance to connect with one of our alumni:
"I worked in the process development of monoclonal antibodies at UCL and I have seen first-hand the fantastic facilities available at the Department of Biochemical Engineering. The opportunities to interact with major biopharmaceutical companies through several projects and events is unique to this department. I used to be involved in the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students who received training in the latest equipment and technologies. As a chemistry teacher at a British International School in Mexico currently, I really wanted my students to hear this directly from the Department of Biochemical Engineering and hence organised a Webinar. My students enjoyed listening to the experts on various on-going projects and also general information including career prospects. This will help my students to decide on the course they would like to study at the university level. I am grateful to the Outreach team at the Department of Biochemical Engineering for spending time with my students." Balasundaram Bangaru, October 2020
The talk allowed our students to connect the work they do in the classroom with real-world applications and careers.
Roger Stokes, Headteacher, The Edron Academy, October 2020