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“Box Hill Institute was the first TAFE I called, because Noel Dowler (a former teacher in the Centre) had visited my High School and spoken to us,” Jason said.
Jason Phillips may have missed out on university by half a mark, but he is still pursuing his ambition to work in a laboratory.
Jason was among 14 students from the Centre for Biotechnology and Animal Sciences who have been on placement at the Institute of Horticultural Development, Knoxfield two days a week. Gaining valuable practical experience as a result.
“It is really interesting,’’ said Jason. We use the most up-to-date technology, make up the Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and use them. Each time I do it I learn something new.”
Jason is working to isolate the fungi Verticillium a fungus which infects potatoes. The fungi is a cosmetic disease which doesn’t harm the potato, but consumers are less likely to purchase them.
Jason’s project involves comparing the DNA from the Canadian and Australian strains to determine if they are exactly the same.
“I come up with experiments to perform and if I have trouble I approach the scientist in charge of the project who points me in the right direction,” Jason said. “It’s his project, but he has given it to us so we can get an understanding of the tasks a technician needs to perform.”
Jason chose Box Hill Institute when his hopes of a second round offer failed to materialise.
“Box Hill Institute was the first TAFE I called, because Noel Dowler (a former teacher in the Centre) had visited my High School and spoken to us,” Jason said.
“I called him and we made arrangements to enrol.”
Jason hopes to continue his studies at university or get a job in a laboratory.
13 June 2003
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