Reflections of a Trophy Winner: Isaiah Ajaero’s Oliphant Science Journey

My entry was a SHE task for my Year 12 Biology course. In writing the paper, I was inspired by the potential of a novel and innovative therapy such as CAR T-cell therapy, that seemed to have the potential to produce such a large impact on patients, with a reduction of the negative side-effects common in existing therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  

I had been participating in the Oliphant Science Awards since early high school and I won my first prize, I believe, in Year 8. The program helped to foster my interest in science, and also gave me the opportunity to develop my ability to think about and even create scientific ideas in an independent way, an opportunity that was limited in the school curriculum. I would say the Awards did impact my passion for science, and my current career journey, as I am currently studying medicine. 

One memory that stuck with me was during one of my earlier entries, maybe Year 8 or Year 9, when I presented my Biology-related computer simulation to a panel of judges. I did not personally think my program was particularly good, but the judges really encouraged me a lot and saw the utility in my program. They conversed with me about the utility of incorporating technological programs and simulations in the medical sciences. This inspired me to continue developing both my programming skills and interest in science, and also to continue entering projects into the Awards.