{"id":3249,"date":"2026-01-30T09:38:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T23:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/?p=3249"},"modified":"2026-01-30T20:38:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T10:08:46","slug":"learning-by-doing-aafreens-experience-in-medical-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/2026\/01\/30\/learning-by-doing-aafreens-experience-in-medical-science\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning by doing: Aafreen\u2019s experience in Medical Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Studying the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/courses\/bachelor-of-medical-science-laboratory-medicine\">Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine)<\/a> at Flinders University, Aafreen Boparai is building a future grounded in diagnostics, discovery, and meaningful impact on human health.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For Aafreen, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/medicine\/medical-science\">studying Medical Science<\/a> at Flinders University has meant gaining early, hands-on experience in research, diagnostics, and laboratory science, well before graduation. Initially, Aafreen was drawn to the course for its strong focus on applied learning and real-world relevance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cFrom first year, students are exposed to both theoretical and practical learning, including laboratory techniques, research processes, data analysis, and the development of novel research ideas.\u00a0Every topic I study feels relevant, engaging, and connected to real-world impact.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A standout element of Aafreen\u2019s experience has been the opportunity to engage directly with research through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/fhmri\">Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute\u00a0(FHMRI)<\/a>.\u00a0Awarded\u00a0a competitive Summer Research Scholarship, she joined an active laboratory team and contributed to a live research project\u00a0alongside experienced scientists. For Aafreen, the experience offered far more than technical skill development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cOne of the most exciting opportunities I have received so far is a Summer Research\u00a0Scholarship. Working\u00a0alongside leading researchers in\u00a0state-of-the-art\u00a0facilities has been incredibly rewarding.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Being immersed in a professional research environment allowed her to see how laboratory science translates into real diagnostic and health outcomes, while building confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully at an undergraduate level.\u00a0Her project focused on developing a placental organoid model of preeclampsia, integrating genetics, stem cell biology, and diagnostics.\u00a0Aafreen says the experience reinforced how effectively the course prepares students for research and clinical settings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIt has been exciting to see how the skills and knowledge gained during my studies have directly prepared me for this experience.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3251 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465-1024x566.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465-1024x566.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465-300x166.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465-768x425.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465-1536x850.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/79\/2026\/01\/PXL_20260120_023532253-e1769555305465.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practical classes have also played\u00a0a central role\u00a0in her development as a medical science student.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPractical classes have been essential in\u00a0consolidating\u00a0theoretical knowledge by allowing us to see biological concepts in action.\u00a0They\u2019ve\u00a0helped me develop fundamental laboratory skills while reinforcing the importance of accuracy, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking ahead, Aafreen envisions a career as a Medical Scientist working in diagnostic settings, with a strong interest in genetic pathology and the application of genetic technologies in women\u2019s health. She is keen to remain involved in research, particularly work that advances diagnostics,\u00a0personalised\u00a0medicine, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Aafreen is also motivated by the opportunity to contribute beyond metropolitan\u00a0centres, with aspirations to work in regional communities and help address health disparities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMedical science allows me to combine my passion for biology with my desire to help others.\u00a0While it can be a pathway into medicine, it should be pursued for its own value.\u00a0Regardless of the specific pathway I follow, I hope my career will involve lifelong learning and meaningful contributions to improving people\u2019s lives.\u00a0\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For prospective students, Aafreen\u2019s advice is simple but powerful:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cUniversity truly is what you make of it. Asking questions, trying new things, and not being afraid of failure can open doors you\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0even know existed. For students considering Medical Science, I would recommend this degree if you\u00a0are\u00a0genuinely interested in human health, research, and diagnostics.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Discover more about studying\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/medicine\/medical-science\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medical Science at Flinders<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and how you can turn curiosity into impact.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Studying the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at Flinders University, Aafreen Boparai is building a future grounded in diagnostics, discovery, and meaningful impact on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5156,"featured_media":3250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4200,4808],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cmph-student","category-medical-science"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5156"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3249"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3249\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/mph-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}