Top: Cutting of the ribbon. Bottom: Author Dr Rina Fu, CHIRI Researcher Dr Josh Ramsay, Curtin Senior Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) Luma Abu-Alsaad, and former Curtin Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) Michael Erskine. Photos: Brian Njane

When CHIRI’s Dr Josh Ramsay isn’t in the lab leading a team of researchers studying the genetics of bacteria and their spread of infectious diseases, he also finds time to contribute as committee member of the WA Branch of the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM). Recently, he also managed to fit in story time!

In his capacity as an ASM Committee Member, Dr Ramsay attended the launch of the children’s book, My Mad Scientist Mummy.

Written and illustrated by sessional academic, Dr Rina Fu, who currently teaches biomedical sciences at Curtin, the book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of science.

Dr Fu, who completed her doctorate in malaria drug resistance in WA before having two children, wanted to fill a void in science-based children’s books and find an educational and delightful way to share her passion for lab-based science and microbes.

My Mad Scientist Mummy gives young readers a taste of what it’s like working as a scientist in cell culture through the eyes of its mother and daughter lead characters. Attention was paid to keeping the story and illustrations ‘as honest and accurate to the science of microbial culture as possible, with a flare of imagination’.

Dr Ramsay said the book aligned with the ASM’s vision to bring microbiologists together and to promote the awareness of microbiology in everyday life.

“Introducing young children to science is important but can be a challenge,” he said. “It’s great to see such a creative approach to engaging young people in basic science and the fascinating work we do at research institutes like CHIRI.”