Natalie Lim is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UWA, majoring in Human Anatomy and Biology, and recently completed a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with Telethon Kids Institute, supporting two projects and the development of a research paper.
“Under the Food and Nutrition team, I was involved in two projects which focused on identifying risky consumption habits for young people,” Natalie said.
“I conducted data collection in the first project, named WAFFLES (Who Attends FastFood outLEts near Schools), which aimed to identify food purchasing habits of secondary school students at outlets near schools,
“This research can contribute to the formulation of better policies and interventions to safeguard consumption habits; given the importance of optimal nutrition at this age and the accessibility of unhealthy food, it is a crucial measure to protect the health of young people,” she said.
In the second project she supported, Natalie undertook an analysis of an emerging trend on TikTok involving risky drinking behaviour.
Natalie said the internship projects had given her opportunities to hone her existing skills and learn many new ones.
“I have always been passionate about working with and helping children, therefore I hoped to obtain a deeper understanding of issues faced by children and young people in the local and global communities,
“I also wanted to gain exposure to research work outside of my university experience, whilst also enhancing skillsets including data collection and analysis and literature review,” she said.
Joelie Mandzufas, Food and Nutrition team Project Coordinator, said that the impact Natalie had on the research during her internship was invaluable, allowing the team to investigate a current global issue in a timely manner.
“Natalie was instrumental in identifying the trend, and was able to build on skills gained through her university career to assist in analysing the data and developing a manuscript for academic publication,” she said.
Natalie said that the internship had been an opportunity for her to delve deeper into considering community needs and challenges, particularly those facing young people.
“Being equipped with education and skills, I realised that it was my duty to utilise these skills to help others,
“I was fortunate to be provided with an extremely nurturing environment with measured guidance from my supervisors and co-workers,” she said.
“I am grateful for this meaningful and fruitful opportunity, and I hope to continue to implement the skills and values learned in my future endeavours,
“I would recommend other students get involved in the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship Program, as it enables deeper understanding of and exposure to issues facing the community and creates opportunities to gain new skills and experience outside of university life.”