Murdoch University recently hosted a thrilling 3-day event, the STEM Experience Day, from 9th to 11th December 2024.

 This event was designed to ignite the passion of budding scientists, future engineers, and tech enthusiasts by offering a plethora of hands-on workshops and exciting activities. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore their interests, shape their future, and get a sneak peek into university life at Murdoch University.

One of the standout workshops was led by academic Dr Benjamin Lobel, focusing on the fascinating technique of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This workshop provided an in-depth understanding of this powerful analytical method, which was developed in Australia, and is essential in various scientific fields.

The workshop began with an introduction to laboratory techniques, and sample preparation, such as using micro-pipettes to handle microlitres of liquid and proper use of volumetric flasks. Following this, the focus shifted to Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), a method used to determine the concentration of specific elements within a sample. The hands-on session involved a practical experiment where students determined the sodium content in a sports drink using AAS.

Participants were divided into groups and tasked with preparing a series of calibration standards using a stock solution. They then prepared their sports drink samples and measured the absorbance using the AAS instrument. The experiment provided a practical understanding of how AAS works and its applications in real-world scenarios. Students recorded their absorbance readings and calculated the sodium concentration in their samples, gaining valuable hands-on experience in analytical chemistry.

“It was great to have the students in the lab and give them the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with the analytical instruments we have here at Murdoch. The students were fantastic – some of them got within 1% of what the drink manufacturers stated on their bottles, and with just a short introduction as training, I was very impressed by them,’’ said Dr Benjamin Lobel. 

While waiting their turn for sample analysis students were shown advanced analytical instruments such as Mass Spectrometry (Mass Spec), a technique used to identify the composition of a sample by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of its ions. Participants learned about the process of ionization, fragmentation, and detection, gaining insights into how Mass Spec can be used to analyse complex mixtures and identify unknown compounds.

They were also shown inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). In this technique a sample of an unknown substance is sprayed into plasma which is as hot as the surface of the sun. The heat excites the atoms in the sample and causes them to emit light at specific frequencies, which can be used to determine the composition and concentration of the unknown substance.

The STEM Experience Day at Murdoch University was a resounding success, offering participants a unique opportunity to delve into the world of science and technology. The workshop led by Dr Benjamin Lobel on analytical techniques was particularly impactful, providing students with practical skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future scientific endeavours. Events like these not only ignite passion but also pave the way for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tech enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and workshops at Murdoch University, where we continue to inspire and educate the leaders of tomorrow.