THOMAS Mailler may only be in Year 12, but he has already played a role in helping to reduce the carbon footprint created by the cattle industry thanks to a holiday scholarship.
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The Armidale School student was one of 15 chosen to take part in the University of New England’s Growing Regional and Agricultural Students in Science (UNE GRASS) Industry Placement Scholarship Program.
As part of the program, Thomas worked with Helen Smith, putting his mathematical skills to the test after getting hands-on experience in the university’s feedlot.
“I’ve been comparing data from the two different methods of measuring methane produced in cattle,” he said.
“I’m trying to locate correlations between the data.”
Science education officer Susanna Greig said the program provided a unique opportunity for Thomas to be involved in actual research before enrolling in university.
“I think it’s so exciting that he is able to be involved in an actual scientific research project and is able to see how these are run,” Ms Greig said.
“He also gets to make a presentation about this project to leaders in the industry.”
Thomas has a combined interest in engineering and agriculture. He said the scholarship gave him an insight into the two disciplines that could come together down the track.