Over 50 students in 11th and 12th grade from the French Language High School “Alphonse de Lamartine” in Sofia visited CPSBB as part of their practical training in Biology and Chemistry. They were welcomed by the Head of the Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, Prof. Dr Milen Georgiev, who presented in brief the Center. He also shared with them some memories from his student years when he decided to study biotechnology, explaining to them some of the advantages of developing a scientific career in this field.
The students were guided through the laboratories and greenhouse facilities of CPSBB by the scientific team of the Center. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liliya Mihaylova, Iva Stoykova and Monika Todorova demonstrated some of the high technologies, highlighting on LC-MC which is unequaled for Bulgaria and the Balkans, confocal microscopy and worm lab technology for research with the C.elegans model organism. They visualized on computer the 3D model of human epidermis which was recently developed by the team as a result of a three-year research. They also showed visualized lipid cells (adipocytes) as part of the large-scale study of the Plant Cell Biotechnology department on obesity and its potential prevention with natural compounds from plants.
Monika Todorova, a young researcher at CPSBB, demonstrated the model organism C.elegans which is a nematode (worm), very useful for the team in their research within the longevity domain for slowing down aging with natural compounds from plants and traditional food products.
Eng. Dr. Alicja Wieteska guided the students through the greenhouse facilities where a large amount of pepper, tomato and strawberry lines are explored under controlled abiotic stress conditions for research within several large-scale scientific projects which are currently conducted at the Center.
CPSBB often welcomes students’ visits as they provide a valuable experience for young people, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and expert mentorship. Such visits expose students to real-world applications of their studies, helping them understand the connection between theory and practice. By interacting with professionals and gaining insight into industry standards, students can refine their skills, expand their knowledge and most importantly – get inspired for their future professional career in science.
