Last month we took 6 students from Cornwall School of Maths and Science to Singapore, to work collaboratively with students from the National Junior College on scientific and mathematical research projects. Molly Clemens and Tristan Sones-Dykes, two of our further mathematicians, worked on designing and creating a mathematical model to predict evapotranspiration of plants in order to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency of water usage.
Mindy Birnie and Kezia McGreggor, two of our biologists, were studying possible applications of phytoremediation to decontaminate polluted water and soil.
Chloe Vaughan and Naomi Jenkins, physicists, carried out an astrophysics analysis on possible targets for the James Webb telescope, contributing to their 2020 launch.
The week consisted of writing university style literature reviews, carrying out practical investigations in the NJC Sigma Laboratory and delivering their findings in academic presentations to specialist lecturers in their respective fields.
As well as conducting research projects, CSMS students benefitted from exploring the city of Singapore and experienced life as a local, living along-side their Singaporean research partners. Evenings and weekends were used to visit the wondrous sites Singapore has to offer: botanical gardens, Spectra water and light show, Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay. Students also experienced the diversity of religion and culture in Singapore when visiting areas such as Little India, China Town and Kampong Glam. CSMS students were made to feel at home and welcomed by their hosts, developing strong and lasting friendships, “We were laughing over lunch in no time” says Tristan, whilst Mindy’s hosts messaged “it has been a pleasure to have you stay at our home during the last 10 days…You have become like a part of our family.”
“I had such a great time in Singapore, I cannot wait to reciprocate their hospitality and kindness” says Molly. CSMS students are looking forward to returning the hospitality in November, when students of NJC will visit Camborne in order to continue and finalise their research.