Ph. D. Student Tom Burns..Brain Research
Posted on May 31, 2016
PhD student Tom Burns is the grandson of long term member Vic Burns.
It was a family occasion for the “Burns” clan with Vic’s son Greg, and spouse Betty, guests to the address by Tom on bioethics and neuroscience. Vic not present, was fondly toasted and thought of in his late life battle with age. Chairman David Rosback led the way.
We learnt that Tom is a PhD student in the Physiology unit of the medical science/science faculty(s) at Monash University, and conducting research into the brain activity of rats (we were assured with some parallel to understanding the human neuron functions). All this was done by recording and analysing the rats electrical brain activity and the impact of external stimuli as detected by the pickup of signals on electrodes inserted into the brain. For instance it was fascinating to note the different record of such activity in response to a picture of the Mona Lisa as against aboriginal art.
The address was far from that of a narrow scientific researcher. Tom is not that. Only 24 he has gained a Young Achievers Award from Melbourne Rotary, is president of a group for Students of Brain Research, was a Bioethics Fellow at the World Health Organization (UN linked) and travelled to conferences on bioethics overseas, and above all very aware of the importance of networking within the science community.
Very personable and open Tom if his pursues his natural career course/goals (post doctoral roles at Oxford and or Japan with ultimate academic leadership at an appropriate university) will be one of those rare scientists who can take the public along with them.
An example of this latter quality was Tom’s presentation of some old family snaps (including containing Vic..see below) in his address as a way to engage with the audience on a very technical subject, the mix was perfect.
A young Tom is in the middle front row with the dark shirt, and Vic in the second row left. How time flies.