On the evening of June 10th, 2024, the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme held an engaging internal speaker event at St Catherine's College. This event provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to network and exchange ideas, and four scholars presented on their unique and fascinating research topics.
Montader Ali opened the evening with his presentation on in-silico techniques for protein engineering. His study highlighted how computational methods are revolutionising the field, discussing their potential applications and the impact on future biotechnological advancements.
Following Montader, Lukas Rossmanith explored the intriguing hypothesis that stellar flares could have been a significant energy source for the origin of life. His research examined potential mechanisms through which stellar activity might contribute to prebiotic chemistry.
Doudou Cao presented her study on skeletal remains from Bronze-Iron Age sites on the Tibetan Plateau and lowland China. This included comparisons of stature, body mass and limb proportions, further highlighting the intricacies of how environmental conditions and cultural practices have shaped human physical form over time.
Concluding the evening, Peter Einarsson Nielsen captivated the audience with a concise and inspiring presentation on studying materials at milli-Kelvin temperatures. He introduced the techniques used to observe the properties of materials in extremely cold environments, emphasizing their implications for scientific research.
Throughout the event, scholars enjoyed a diverse range of topics and engaging discussions. The presentations showcased the innovative research being conducted within our community, fostering an atmosphere of learning and exploration. We extend our gratitude to all the speakers and attendees for making the evening memorable.
Article by: Doudou Cao, 2021 cohort, Archaeology, St Catharine's College
Image: @camdiary