High school students from around the Gladstone region discovered the world of marine science this week at Central Queensland University’s Centre for Environmental Management.

Staff at the centre hosted two work experience students from Chanel College and a Year 11 Biology class from Biloela State High School.

Tahlia Harrison and Lauren Kirk from Chanel College spent the week participating in various activities including sorting through mud samples and identifying macro benthic organisms.

“This is the second time we’ve been to the CEM for work experience and it’s been lots of fun,” said Lauren.

Although Tahlia was still unsure if she wanted to enter a career in science, Lauren said she already knew that when she finished high school she intends to become a microbiologist or a bacteriologist.

On Thursday, the CEM also hosted a group of year 11 Biology students from Biloela State High School.

Biology teacher, Sharon Stacey said the visit was part of their studies on ecology and Australian flora and fauna.

The students are studying different ecosystems and the factors that affect them including the effect of human interference.

“We organised the visit to give the students the opportunity to work in a professional laboratory and to help them realise that what we learn in the classroom has real life applications.”.

“This has been an excellent opportunity for the class and we’re hoping that we can bring more students back to CQU in the future,” said Ms Stacey.

Photo Left: Work experience students from Chanel College, Lauren Kirk and Tahlia Harrison sorting samples at the CEM.

Photo Above: Biloela State High School Bilology Students; Abbey Seth, Emily Jones, Tegan Barry, Vera Ott and Monica Smith.