Physics News

Girls in Physics Breakfast

Year 12 physics students were truly born under a lucky star to hear one of the most prominently followed astrophysicists in the twittersphere last Friday at the Hawthorn Town Centre.

 

Dr Katie Mack, an astrophysicist (@astrokatie) enlightened 100 female high school physics students, female physicists, engineers over breakfast about dark matter and dark energies. What may seem like complex theories were conveyed in a simplified yet technical manner that concreted our current understanding of the universe. She spoke with such an interest, passion, and fascination with her work that inspired many of the girls in the room about both physics and scientific communication.

 

The senior schoolgirl students also got an opportunity to talk with women currently in the industry about careers and tertiary education in STEM fields, and in specific physics application industries, which was fantastic given the current stereotype that women and girls aren’t exactly interested in this field. It was also great to hear some stories of how these women have overcome and dealt with dominating male co-workers, both in their subconscious and conscious attitudes towards women, as well as respect for women in the workplace.

 

We hope Katie has a great tour around Australia as part of the Women in Physics outreach organised by the Australian Institute of Physics and we thank Mr Kazi for organizing the attendance of the MGC girls and providing us with such an eye-opening experience.

 

Sophia Maisey and Thirumagal Arunachalam Elanthendral