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Jacinta Duncan is an Australian science educator〔Evans-Galea, MV. (Inspiring Education in Science and Maths ). Early Days, Australian Academy of Science, issue 16, 2013.〕 who grew up on marginal farming land in the Millewa area in the top North West of Victoria. Working alongside her father, Duncan learned animal husbandry, and how to crop wheat and barley while her mother, a primary school teacher, taught her music, French and took her to learn ballet. Duncan says "the importance of an inquisitive mind and a robust education has always been at the forefront of my life". ==Education and career== Completing a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at the La Trobe University, Duncan majored in Biochemistry and Botany. Her Honours year focussed on the natural defence mechanism in plants, in particular, the production of phytoalexins to halt the growth of invasive fungi. Her career in science began with a position as a molecular biologist in the population genetics laboratories of the inspirational Professor Ary Hoffman. She investigated the natural spread of a bacterial infection in fruit fly.〔Maslen, G. (2011) (Fever Pitch ). The Age, Australia.〕 This Wolbachia infection is transmitted through the female line. When infected males mate with uninfected females the progeny do not survive. In this way the infection spreads quickly. Recently scientists have managed to use Wolbachia bacteria to control outbreaks of Dengue fever.〔Sturmer, J. (2014) (Researchers want Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes unleashed on Townsville in bid to eradicate dengue fever ). ABC News.〕 Mosquitoes are a vector for the virus that causes Dengue. Scientists have manipulated Wolbachia so it blocks the growth of virus inside the mosquito.〔(Eliminate Dengue - Our Challenge ). Monash University, Australia.〕 As a result, transmission of the disease is stopped. Releasing a population of these infected mosquitoes has resulted in the wild mosquito population becoming infected, lowering the incidence of Dengue fever. Duncan then transitioned to a research role in the Department of Agriculture where her project focussed on the biological control of red legged earth mites. While holidaying overseas, Duncan made a life-turning decision to return to Australia and complete a Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne. She says "Nothing can describe that moment when you realise you have found your life calling." 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Jacinta Duncan」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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