Teachers are positive that Year 11 student Danielle Mannes has a bright future ahead of her, which is why she won the Victor Chang award for science.
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The Coleambally Central School student was nominated for the award after seizing first place in her biology class.
“I’m usually not really into science, but I found biology quite interesting this year,” Danielle said.
She hopes to use her knack for biology at university, where she plans to study exercise physiology and rehabilitation.
Her long-term game plan is to work with athletes to help them rehabilitate from sports related injuries.
Danielle was nominated for the award by her biology teacher Ann Pretty, who said she was confident that there would be great things in store for her.
“She is the most diligent and conscientious student,” Mrs Pretty said.
“She’s always been a hard working student, and she always takes on board feedback and applies it.”
Scientific talent must run in the family, because her cousin Ryan Mannes also won the same award two years ago.
Named after the late cardiac surgeon and pioneer of modern heart transplantation, Dr Victor Chang, these awards were established to celebrate young, gifted students and to foster growth in scientific studies.
Dr Gavin Chapman from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute said that Australia’s future was safe in the hands of these gifted students. “By nurturing these inquisitive scientific minds, we are cementing a strong future for Australian research,” Dr Chapman said.