INSPIRING FUTURE STEM LEADERS
Over the summer break, two students were selected to attend the Year 12 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), which empowers young people and exposes them to a wide variety of STEM experiences. After a rigorous selection process in 2019 and an endorsement from the Kew and Doncaster Rotary Clubs, Maddy T explored Biology at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and Annabel M was accepted to the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra to gain exposure to Ecology, Environmental Science and Sustainability, for the 2020 11-day forum. From attending workshops on critical thinking and philosophy, to learning about the teeth structure of mammals, interviewing research scientists from Antarctica and learning about lifelong goalsetting techniques, Maddy just scratched the surface:
‘NYSF was a life changing experience that I wouldn’t swap for the world. The connections, networks and friendships I made were unforgettable and I have come away with a wealth of knowledge that has more than prepared me for my final year of school and life beyond. It has opened my eyes to further careers in science and different pathways to follow.’ – Maddy T, Year 12 It was at this time that the devastating bushfires swept across our country, leading NYSF to postpone Annabel’s experience at ANU. Although she was disappointed that her session was postponed, she has the opportunity to further participate later in the year. The orientation she received also showed her the many pathways in health science research, which she is considering pursuing at ANU next year. Jo Oreo Learning Leader of Science
autumn 2020
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