Getting exposure to issues, opinions and new ways of doing things was just part of the attraction of attending the SING 2023 event for University of Waikato student Jadon Miller.
The Summer internship for Indigenous peoples in Genomics (SING) Workshop is a global internship programme aimed at encouraging interest in learning in genomics and science.
Despite the importance of genomics for Indigenous people and communities, Indigenous people are currently underrepresented in this field. The SING curriculum introduces participants to fundamental concepts and methods in genomics and bioinformatics including both theory and practical training, with the aim of supporting and developing indigenous researchers and informing future genomic research.
SING Aotearoa was set up in 2016 to develop indigenous understanding of genomics and is supported by Genomics Aotearoa. Research conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand should involve consultation with Iwi Māori and it is important Māori understand the technical, ethical and cultural issues when engaging with researchers in these projects.
University of Waikato student Jadon Miller (Ngāpuhi) was completing his final year of studies, combining psychology in Bachelor of Arts with molecular and cellular biology studies for Bachelor of Science, when he heard of the SING programme.
And he was pleased he applied and became part of the 2023 cohort.
The week-long internship wānanga programme in Hamilton provided its 20 participants with knowledge and experience in laboratories, computer-based learnings and cultural and ethical presentations.
It turned out it was a lot more than just being taught – it was being able to visualise how future work could look in practise.
In particular, he found a field trip to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari inspiring, seeing conservation work having such a positive impact on the environment and realising it was something practical that genetics could support.
But just as important was sharing the week with fellow students; encouraging active conversations and ideas.
“Having people coming from community and engaging with SING is great. For us, it’s exposure and about being open to the array of ideas, ways of doing things and opinions, and being able to question, see the value and start to figure out how to integrate the thinking in our own world. SING is about perceptions, discussions, and context – it’s been incredibly valuable, and I am now part of a great network.”
With this additional experience, Jadon is hoping he may in some way be able to influence how things are done.
“Science can’t isolate itself from the rest of the world – using psychology and biomedical science together is logical to me – being able to not just understand how things are done, but how to help people to understand and discuss why it’s important. Maybe this could help to address the really big issues the world is facing and make a difference for wellbeing and for maintaining taonga species in New Zealand, particularly in hapu-led projects.”
He’s hoping his primary interest in neuroscience combined with his studies in psychology quantitative genetics may lead to health-related projects in the future.
Find out more about Māori and Genomics here