Year 7 Faith-Filled Scientists Incursion
On Tuesday 13 May, our Year 7 students were privileged to take part in an inspiring event: the Faith-Filled Scientists Incursion. This special expo brought together a panel of real-life scientists who shared not only their fascinating fields of work but also how their Christian faith motivates and sustains their scientific careers.
The day was organised into interactive sessions, where students from each Year 7 class rotated between scientists at lab benches. After brief introductions, students were invited to ask questions, explore hands-on materials, and engage in meaningful conversations. Each student had a booklet to help guide their learning and reflect on how science and faith can work hand in hand to care for creation and seek truth.
Our guest speakers included:
- Dr Michael Clarke (ISCAST) – Emeritus Professor of Zoology from La Trobe University, who shared his work on bushfire ecology and wildlife conservation.
- Michelle Eudey – A medical radiographer working with X-rays, CT scans, and fluoroscopy to care for patients.
- Matt Ford – A principal solution architect at Ericsson, specialising in satellite and radio communications.
- Phil Taylor – A photographic scientist capturing high-speed imaging in engineering and medical applications.
- Matt Tresidder – A Parks Victoria ranger and environmental program leader working in the Yarra Ranges National Park.
- Dr Sarah Wilson (ISCAST) – A marine botanist and electron microscopist.
- Matthew Gebert (ISCAST)– A postdoctoral researcher studying cutting-edge materials for use in solar cells and computing.
Some presenters were from ISCAST (The Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology), an organisation committed to showing that science and Christian faith can work together in harmony. ISCAST is a network of scientists, students, and academics who are passionate about engaging in thoughtful dialogue between the sciences and the Christian worldview. They run school outreach programs, conferences, and public events to help dispel the myth that science and faith conflict. Their involvement in our incursion brought depth and clarity to the idea that exploring God’s creation through science is not only compatible with faith—it’s a reflection of it.
Each of these scientists offered something different, and together they helped students see the diversity of STEM careers and how faith can be an integral part of a scientific vocation. The atmosphere was buzzing with curiosity and admiration as students posed thoughtful questions, from “What made you become a scientist?” to “How does your faith influence your research?”
One of the most powerful outcomes of the day was seeing students inspired, not only to explore science more deeply but to understand that faith and science are not in opposition. In fact, for many of our guests, their Christian worldview is what fuels their desire to study, protect, heal, and innovate.
We are so grateful to all our guest speakers for their time, wisdom, and generosity, and we thank God for the way they reflect His creativity in their work. A big thank you also goes to our Science staff team for preparing students so well and hosting the event with warmth and professionalism.
Below are some reflections from our Year 7 students about what they enjoyed and learned:
Mel Bouma and Aijun Zhong
Year 7 Science Team
I had tons of fun learning about some of the stuff our local scientists do.
Jake K
We had 7 different scientists in many different fields including zoology, communication and electronic engineering, radiology and scientific photography, and we had the opportunity to ask them what they do. Each student interviewed 3 scientists for 15 minutes each to get the answers for the burning questions on their minds. It was a great learning experience and learning opportunity for everyone!
Micah M
