In the school holidays, Mia Abernethy attended the New Zealand International Biology Olympiad (NZIBO) training camp at the University of Auckland.

The camp brought together 25 of New Zealand’s top Biology students to select 4 to represent New Zealand later in the year. During this time participants were engaged with multiple practical activities, working with biological experts and visits to biologically important locations. Highlights were a trip to the Leigh Marine Laboratory, dissecting and learning about the anatomy of various different invertebrates and microbiology labs where participants cultured and analysed E. coli using DNA techniques.

Special thanks must be extended to the Massey University Veterinary School, who kindly helped Mia hone her practical skills in the weeks leading up to the camp. Mia found this experience invaluable, and helped her greatly while she was at the camp and she is incredibly grateful for their support.