Students at Braidhurst High School came face to face with some knitted nightmares thanks to Glasgow University.  Dr Mhairi Stewart and Dr Jane Munday, from the Parasitology, visited S4 and Higher Geography students.  The researchers helped students explore Scotland’s extensive history in the discovery and control of tropical diseases and how the parasites responsible for both malaria and sleeping sickness cause problems for people and economies around the world.  Pupils also got up close and personal with some of the parasites common to Scotland, including a 30m long crocheted replica of the world’s longest tape worm.

This is Dr Munday and Dr Stewart’s second visit to Braidhurst High.  This gave pupils the opportunity to find out more about university life and what it’s like to work each day with some of the world’s most dangerous creatures.  Dr Stewart, co-ordinator of Glasgow’s ScienceGrrl chapter, was delighted to speak to a large number of female students looking to excel in science in higher education.