Mr Antoine Geray, PhD student from the Polytech Clermont in France, conducted a research visit with Thrive at QUT (Queensland University of Technology) from 1 April 2025 – 31 July 2025. The title of Antoine’s project “Study and collection of bioaerosols for the quantification of indoor airborne infection risk”.
Bioaerosols are airborne particles that carry microorganisms, are generally found in indoor/outdoor environments and can disperse by attaching to other particles. Bioaerosols are very small particles ranging in size from a few tens of nm to more than 100 μm. Their understanding is essential to limit the transmission of respiratory diseases. Although many methods for collecting bioaerosols have been developed, the “ideal” method for collecting them has still not been found. This project aimed to develop a collection method using the capture medium such as ice. The results showed a positive effect on this approach, although optimization can necessarily be performed to improve efficiency and practical application.
“I want to say that this internship was an unforgettable experience, forever etched in my memory, and this is thanks to all of you.
I wish to express my deep gratitude to Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska for hosting me in her laboratory and offering this unique opportunity. I also thank Chantal Labbe, who took the time to exchange with me through numerous emails before my arrival, answering each of my questions regarding life in the laboratory and thus putting me in the best conditions to come to Australia.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Henry Oswin, who accompanied me throughout this internship. His pedagogy, patience and clear explanations allowed me to progress not only from a professional point of view, but also on a personal level. Thanks to him, I was able to gain autonomy, confidence, and deepen my scientific reflection.
I also thank each of you, members of the laboratory. I will really miss you. Here, I discovered a true work atmosphere, driven by a mentality that I will not forget. A true spirit of mutual aid, respect and kindness reigns there.
This internship also allowed me to open my eyes to the beauty of diversity. No matter where we come from, no matter our cultures, our origins or our personal stories: in the end, we are part of the same world. And it is precisely this diversity that makes the wealth of our world. Our differences are strengths, they allow us to learn from each other, grow, open our minds and build greater things together.
By leaving, I keep in myself not only knowledge and skills, but above all this deep conviction: it is by valuing our differences and working together that we build a better world. In four months, I tried to learn a little from each of you and I thank you for everything you have given me. You are truly wonderful people, never change. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross one day.” – Antoine Geray
