Last Friday, QAHS had the honour of hosting its accomplished alumna, Gihansa Kottasha Vidhanelage, currently studying at the University of Sydney. Gihansa's visit was a treasure trove of insights for our Year 11 students, particularly those navigating the first steps of their Extended Essays (EEs).
Gihansa generously shared her wisdom on the EE process, offering valuable guidance on how she developed her research ideas and managed the practical demands of a Group 4 Science EE. Her talk shed light on the essential role of mentorship, highlighting her experiences with guidance from Griffith University academic staff.
One of the highlights of her visit was her discussion of her published research: Myrtaceaes as antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Students were captivated by her journey from an IB student to a published researcher.
Gihansa's visit underscored the profound impact of the International Baccalaureate in preparing our students for tertiary education and the IB Core's pivotal role in shaping their academic journeys. Our students left inspired, armed with newfound knowledge, and an even deeper appreciation for the academic excellence QAHS stands for.
Kary Stratton
Extended Essay Coordinator, Teacher of Psychology and Theory of Knowledge