STEM Academy

This week, we were lucky enough to take a group of Year 9 girls down to Flinders University (SA) to attend a STEM Enrichment Academy Conference. The three days were packed with unique hands-on experiences:

· Redox jewellery

· Making sustainable water bottles and soaps

· Cybersecurity and having a go at “hacking”

· Robotics and digital transformation

· Hands-on physics experiments (this was so much fun)

· Waste to value workshops

· Industry panel and tour

We were also very excited to meet, hear from, and make connections with, some famous and super passionate female superstars in STEM who not only spoke about their incredible journey in science but also imparted advice on how to face challenges, fearlessness and resilience, empathy and kindness (we are all connected and that truly matters) and inspiring our girls to always think about how we can shape our future – what foot print will you leave in this world? Challenge the norm, challenge the way things are done.

Some of the phenomenal people we met (can’t list them all, there were so many!) were: Prof Manjula Sharma, Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Dr Giuseppina Dall’Armi-Stoks (DSTG), Prof Maria Parappilly OAM, Tiahni Adamson, CH4, Dr Stefania Peracchi, ANSTO, Dr Tania M. Barone, Prof Amanda Ellis. Needless to say, they all had extensive lists of achievements and awards. If science was recognised like the movie industry, these women would have received multiple oscars.

“The STEM Enrichment Academy was an amazing opportunity that I was so glad that I could be chosen for. I learned so much, including more on cybersecurity, why the planets don't fall into the Sun, and what jobs fall under the STEM umbrella. I loved the experience and can't wait to explore and learn more!” ~ Gwyn

“The STEM course in Adelaide was an amazing opportunity that taught me so much. We got to do so many things, from making our own soap (out of seaweed) to hacking computers. The trip really changed my perspective of STEM and it was a trip I think many would enjoy.” ~ Talia

Wish we could’ve brought all of you with us!