Ms Mason, a science teacher at St. Mary’s Academy CBS, has been named one of four Irish educators to receive a prestigious grant as part of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) 10-Year Anniversary celebration. This global initiative, which has reached over one million students across 16 countries, is dedicated to advancing biotechnology education.
To mark its 10th anniversary in Ireland, ABE awarded €20,000 in bursaries to four teachers, including Ms Mason, to enhance science education in their schools. Ms Mason will use the grant to establish an after-school genetics club the school, offering students hands-on learning in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Through ABE, students gain practical experience with professional-grade scientific equipment, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world scientific challenges. Ms Mason's project aims to inspire students and strengthen their interest in biotechnology, contributing to both the school and the wider ABE community.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact: ABE Ireland Awards Grants to Innovative Teachers
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2021 Collaboration between 2nd year class group , Trinity College & the National College of Art and Design
"We were very impressed with the responses and we think your students are a very creative and observant group of young people"
Dr Kamila Kwasniewska
Research Fellow
Botany Department
School of Natural Sciences
‘The Lichen Art Citizen Science Project’
This project brought to life the connections between Science, Art and Poetry. Class 2H worked on a outstanding project and produced a wonderful piece of artwork which captures the imagination.
Lichen each Other - (2nd Year Student)
Soft, bushy, green is he
Helps the environment and even helps me
In love with the branch, together they bloom
Without each other, leads to its doom
Covering the branch, quite chaotic
What can I say, they are symbiotic
The branch, the book, the lichen, the colour
Together they complete one another
Shaped like saucers, textured like mushrooms
Some like it, while others hate fumes
Colonising conditions, soothing to severe
Living in clusters, gives insight on clean air
They are bio-indicators of hygiene in our little sphere