"We're only just scratching the surface"

The Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics was taught at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The Institute is named in honour of Professor Bruce Weir FRS FRSNZ, an expert in statistical and forensic genetics. Professors Bruce and Beth Weir made a generous gift that enabled Paige to attend with two other postgraduate students from New Zealand.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how concepts from other fields such as medical genetics and breeding can be applied to my own research in invasion geonomics – it really highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of genetics and geonomics and how much we can learn just by drawing from different fields of research,” Paige said.

Another highlight for her was the ability to connect with other early-career researchers from around the globe. 

"Everyone brought such unique perspectives from their own fields of research, and those conversations really enriched the whole experience."

Paige says she left the workshops feeling inspired and reminded that even with all the powerful tools we have, "we're only just scratching the surface of what can be possible, and that's really exciting". 

"I'm really grateful to Bruce and Beth Weir for making this opportunity possible and for creating an environment where these kinds of valuable learning experiences can take place."