STEM SISTERS

Growing up in Far North Queensland, Sandra and Kylie always dreamed of pursuing careers in education. They both also loved STEM subjects, so it made sense they’d continue with them at uni.

Sandra has already completed her Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at QUT and is now teaching at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Kylie is entering her third year of the same course.

“QUT has provided me with numerous STEM-related opportunities thus far,” says Kylie, whose connection to the uni dates back to when she was selected to attend the QUT Vice Chancellor’s STEM Camp during Year 11. “I was fortunate enough to meet students from across Queensland, and engaged in solving some of the major challenges facing our society and planet today,” she says.

Kylie is a big fan of QUT’s student-centred approach to teaching, which she can easily apply in the classroom. Kylie also rates how her degree has taught her the importance of collaboration, and how to adapt her teaching style to meet the needs of diverse students.

“I recommend QUT to anyone considering a career as an educator,” she says.

Reaping rewards

Sandra has also had a wealth of opportunities at QUT, including working as a sessional academic and helping students online. But it was during the final placement of her degree that Sandra’s eyes were opened to the rewards of teaching young women, in particular, about STEM.

“With guidance from my supervising teacher at Lourdes Hill College, I developed a variety of teaching strategies that I now implement every day in my role at Brisbane Girls Grammar School,” she says.

Although the Vecchio sisters are in different stages of their STEM education careers, they’ve had the opportunity to combine their skills and work together outside the classroom. Kylie has helped out as a field event assistant, while Sandra has coached her school’s middle-distance athletics team at meets against other Queensland Girls Schools.