On May 29, 2024, the Laboratory Exploration Workshop, jointly organised by the Graduate School and Dr. Tsang Yiu Fai’s laboratory team, brought together a group of PhD and MEd students from diverse disciplines, all eager to immerse themselves in a hands-on laboratory experience.

Two PhD students, Tapos Kormoker and Minhaz Uddin, kicked off the session through delivering a brief introduction of the two experiments planned for the workshop, both of which carry significant environmental and health implications in our daily lives. The first experiment focused on the identification of microplastics using microscopes, while the second involved the detection of bacteria using rapid testing kits.

To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, the students divided themselves into smaller groups and were assigned to rotate between the experiments. One group began by examining the shapes, colors, and sizes of microplastics in the given samples with the aid of the microscope and scientific software.

Simultaneously, the other group delved into the bacteria detection experiment, focusing on the assessment and comparison of bacterial levels on the surface of bottled drinks before and four hours after consumption. After completing the initial experiment, the groups exchanged tasks, enabling each student to engage in the experiment they had not yet attempted.

The workshop undeniably fostered an enriching environment where students from diverse backgrounds could actively engage in practical laboratory experiences. This unique opportunity allowed students to gain valuable insights into the application of scientific methodology and their real-life implications, igniting their passion for scientific exploration even further.