Pioneering Success: Khanh Becomes Publishes her research in an Academic Journal
We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Khanh, who has successfully published her STEM Communicators project in an academic journal, marking a significant milestone in her scientific journey at NatMatSci.
As part of the College’s unique STEM Communication Programme, Khanh undertook an in-house viva — an oral examination in which she presented and defended her research to teachers and peers — as well as a rigorous peer-review process designed to mirror the standards of academic publishing. This combination provided a professional-style research experience, preparing students for the demands of higher-level scientific study.
Khanh’s project, which explores her chosen field in depth, has now been formally published and is available to the wider academic community via the SSRN journal platform.
📖 Read her paper here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5401206
“Khanh has displayed remarkable determination and drive to complete an extensive literature review into the developing area of topical vaccines based on genetically-modified commensal skin bacteria. She reviewed all the studies, currently just based on animal models, and compared the benefits and side effects between traditional injected vaccines and these new skin-based vaccines. In a 30 minute viva, Khanh successfully managed to answer all the questions I and her two peer reviewers challenged her with. We were all very impressed … Khanh demonstrated a level of scientific critique and understanding that you might only expect in someone who has been through University level training.”
Dr Steve Appleyeard – Head of Biology
This achievement highlights both Khanh’s hard work and the unique opportunities offered at NatMatSci, where students are encouraged not only to excel in their A Levels but also to develop as independent researchers capable of contributing to the wider scientific conversation.
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