Pouched lamprey (Geotria australis), also known as Kanakana/Piharau, are ancient jawless fish. They are found widely across Aotearoa, and are a taonga species. Recently, a disease called lamprey reddening syndrome has emerged and is causing significant mortality of these fish. The cause of the disease is currently unknown. This summer project entails preliminary work for a disease investigation into lamprey reddening syndrome.Funded by a summer research scholarship from the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Supporting work in a virus evolution lab: - Conducting RNA extractions from swabs, tissues, and biological fluids of diverse species. - Dissecting rats and taking tissue biopsies. - Collecting and recording detailed metadata to ensure accuracy of data analysis.- Maintaining aseptic techniques within a PC2 environment, utilising class 2 biological safety cabinets to maintain sterile conditions and avoid contamination.

Using meta-transcriptomics to explore viruses in mosquitoes (the mosquito virome). I gained skills in bioinformatics, R (programming language) and Adobe Illustrator. Also involved lab work with PCR, ONT Nanopore Sequencing and DNA/RNA extractions.

Through this role I communicated with students with the SADD programme, ensuring their voices were heard at a governance level. I also worked on my own projects outside of this, some of these included setting up frameworks for the role and ensuring that students within SADD know about the BOT and what it can do for them.

This role was new to the organisation, and included collaborative effort with the Youth Representative to present a report at each board meeting, whilst working with students within SADD to ensure their voices are heard at a governance level. As this role was new, it also involved work to set up frameworks and plans for the near future.

Working in a fast paced environment taking orders, serving food and using POS systems. This role allowed me to gain experience at customer service, arithmetic and food safety regulations.