Twenty students from Hamilton’s Malamaatu STEAM Academy recently had a rare opportunity to step inside the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit (BIRU) at the University of Auckland, a specialist research facility normally reserved for postgraduate students, senior researchers, and clinicians.
The visit provided the students with an inspiring introduction to advanced microscopy and imaging technologies used in health and medical research — giving them first-hand experience of the science that helps uncover the hidden details of life.
The opportunity was initiated by Pacific-i, an organisation that connects Pacific students and their communities with real-world opportunities in science, technology, and research translation. Led by Soteria Ieremia, Pacific-i works to inspire and strengthen Pacific engagement and success across the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. By bridging education, research, and industry, Pacific-i also champions pathways for Pacific learners into high-value, high-impact science and technology careers that are vital to Aotearoa New Zealand’s future.
“The Biomedical Imaging Research Unit is a specialist facility that helps scientists see the unseen,” said Dr David Crossman, Director of BIRU. “Using advanced microscopes and imaging technologies, researchers can observe how cells, tissues and microscopic structures work. Our team not only provides access to these powerful tools but also trains and supports researchers to interpret their images — helping answer important questions about health, disease, and how the body functions.”
During the visit, students took part in four interactive microscopy sessions, each showcasing different imaging techniques and their applications in medical science:
- Light Microscopy: Using simple lenses and light to magnify objects invisible to the naked eye — a standard diagnostic method in many areas of medicine.
- Fluorescent, Confocal, and STED Microscopy: Attaching glowing molecular “tags” to cells and tissues to visualise structures such as heart muscle fibres in vivid colour and detail.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Using beams of electrons instead of light to view tissues and cells at nanoscale resolution, a technique used to diagnose complex pathologies such as kidney transplant rejection.
- Flow Cytometry: Separating and analysing cells — an essential tool in diagnosing and monitoring blood cancers like leukemia.
Dr Sangata Kaufononga, who leads the Malamaatu STEAM Academy, said the experience was invaluable for her students.
“This visit gave our young learners an unforgettable, hands-on experience with real research tools,” she said. “It showed them how powerful microscopy can help us understand health challenges and discover new solutions. For our Pacific students, opportunities like this make science come alive — they can see how what they learn in STEM subjects connects directly to improving lives and communities.”
With more than 80 students currently enrolled, the Malamaatu STEAM Academy continues to grow as a leading initiative for Pacific student achievement in STEM. The Academy’s collaboration with the University of Auckland and Pacific-i represents an important step towards increasing Pacific participation and leadership in the sciences, ensuring that Pacific perspectives and talent contribute meaningfully to the research and innovation sectors.
The Academy extended special thanks to Dr David Crossman and the BIRU team, Pūtahi Manawa – Centre of Research Excellence, and Pacific-i, led by Soteria Ieremia, for their partnership and ongoing commitment to supporting Pacific student success in research and education.
For more information: soteria@pacifici.nz