What does a future in neuroscience actually look like? For Year 11 student Jolie Yau (11PFL), a recent visit to the University of Auckland offered a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.
Jolie earned a place among the top 10 North Island competitors in the 2026 NZ Brain Bee Challenge, following strong performances in the preliminary rounds and live final at the University of Auckland.
Her achievement earned her a 2026 Neurological Foundation Brain Bee Internship, giving her the opportunity to spend a day at the University’s Centre for Brain Research during the school holidays.
Jolie joined other talented Year 11 students from across the North Island to explore the world of neuroscience beyond the classroom.
The day included visits to the Human Brain Bank and Biomedical Imaging Research Unit, along with an introduction to cell reprogramming and a laboratory tour. It was a chance to see how researchers investigate the brain, learn about the technology behind their work and discover where a passion for science might lead.
Congratulations, Jolie! What a wonderful opportunity to explore a field that still has so much to teach us.
Read more: Celebrating the Next Generation of Brain Researchers – Neurological Foundation
