Our imaging experts visited the Castlebrae High School to deliver the ‘Imaging Inside-Out’ public outreach activity. Image On the 16th May 2022, Professor Carmel Moran, Triin Ounapuu (PhD student; Centre for Reproductive Health), Dr David Hardman (Research Fellow; Usher Institute) and Dr Mairead Butler (Postdoctoral Researcher; Heriot Watt University) engaged with 43 pupils from S1 and S2 age groups during three successive sessions. The activity entitled ‘Imaging Inside-Out’ involved a hands-on experience where participants used lightweight hand-held ultrasound scanners of varying frequencies to obtain live images of 3D printed miniaturised 3D shapes and mice embedded at different orientations in opaque gels. Students were also informed about the importance of using animal models in medical research and were encouraged to ask questions in an open discussion with the researchers. I had a brilliant time introducing the world of ultrasound and animal research to the students of Castlebrae High School. I really enjoyed interacting with the students and seeing their enthusiasm when they had a chance to scan the objects themselves. The pupils were really engaged during the discussion about the animal research and were not shy to ask some intriguing questions, e.g. what happened to animals after the experimental work was finished. Overall the event was a great success. I am looking forward to our next session in June! Triin Ounapuu, PhD student The activity was funded by Professor Carmel Moran's ScotPEN Wellcome Engagement Award. Image Edinburgh Preclinical Imaging website This article was published on 2024-03-19
