During the first week of the September holidays, Vusa Bhebhe, Joanna Zhang and Toine Smit, had the opportunity to attend the SPARQed Program (Student Performing Advanced Research). Guided by professional researchers, the students conducted experiments relating to a treatment for cervical cancer. They treated various cancer cell lines with protein inhibiting drugs and observed the results using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and time-lapse video analysis. 

Along with attending lectures hosted by research scientists, the students were also introduced to current university research students, who shared their insight and knowledge. In the end, they presented their findings to professional researchers. This opportunity allowed them to develop a deeper understanding of the content covered at school, by offering a hands-on experience which required them to think outside of the box.