We were delighted to welcome Annika Schulz (8.15-18) back to Malvern College last week (8th November) to give this year’s Lucretian Society Lecture on ‘Cracking the Cold Case: Forgotten Coronaviruses and Physiologically Relevant Cell Culture Models’.
Annika is passionate about research, particularly in virology, and gained experience in advanced cell culture techniques and working with patient-derived cells whilst completing a two-year master’s degree, which she undertook at the University of British Columbia between her third and fourth years of undergraduate medical studies at University College London (UCL).
Her lecture introduced pupils, staff, OMs and guests to her coronavirus research and work looking at the human physiology and what happens when the virus infects the human body as well as how to maintain the homeostasis in cells to prevent the virus from being able to infect.
Annika also told the audience about CoVaRR-Net (Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network), a network of interdisciplinary researchers from institutions across Canada assisting the Government of Canada’s overall strategy to address the potential threat of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The Network answers critical and immediate questions regarding variants, such as their increased transmissibility, likelihood to cause severe cases of COVID-19, and resistance to vaccines.
Currently in her penultimate year of medical school, Annika has already presented her research at several conferences across Canada, as well as at a prestigious Gordon Research Conference in California. She also contributed a chapter to a public health textbook on coronaviruses, which is currently in the publication process.
As an avid triathlete and CrossFit athlete, Annika continues to balance her passions for research, athletics, and medicine. She competed in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in St. George, Utah in 2022.
The Lucretian Society
The Lucretian Society has been running for over 50 years and is part of the College’s Super Curriculum. The Super Curriculum is entirely pupil-led and sees pupils take ownership for designing their own curriculum complementing the academic core of their examination courses at GCSE, International Baccalaureate or A level. The programme comprises a wide range of societies and activities, supporting pupils to hone their presentation, debating and research skills. This in turn, builds confidence and flexes those critical thinking pathways needed for exploring complex topics ranging from global politics to scientific advancements.
