During the summer break in July, sixth year student Shannon O’Donnell had an amazing opportunity to attend the RZSS Summer Science School at the Highland Wildlife Park in Aviemore which is aimed at young people in S5-S6.
This programme involved an application process in order to be accepted, hundreds applied, eager for a spot on the programme but only 15 applicants were accepted, Shannon being one of those lucky few.
Shannon took part in various activities during her time at the programme. She discussed how her group was given a different animal daily to study, this could range from Wolverines to Arctic Foxes.
She also stated that she learned about the inner workings of the park and was educated on the humanitarian effects that we have on several species of animals and the problem of current animal extinction in society.
Her favourite thing about the programme was the day she got to make different toys for the animals and when she got to watch the animals on night vision cameras, she commented that it was especially interesting to watch the nocturnal animals.
Shannon is considering a career in science possibly involving neuroscience or immunology. This experience will be a great advantage for her to further her interest in the field of science.
