Year 9

Student Leaders in STEM Inaugural Forum 

Article by Josette Mercieca, Head of Year 9

Five Year 9 students were selected through expressions of interest to attend the inaugural Student Leaders in STEM Forum at the Royal Society of Victoria.  

This is a unique opportunity allowed students to connect with student leaders from across Victoria, engage with leading STEM professionals, and helped to shape a new statewide initiative for future generations of students. 

The event was important because it allowed students to: 

• Meet other student Leaders in STEM from across Victoria 

• Connect with scientists, researchers and innovators 

• Develop leadership skills and confidence 

• Explore future STEM pathways and opportunities 

• Represent themselves as Overnewton STEM leaders as part of our Brimbank Tech School cluster.  

Students had the opportunity to meet the following eminent STEM leaders; 

Professor Elisabetta Barberio – Professor of Physics at the University of Melbourne and Directors of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. An internationally respected experimental particle physicist, her work focusses on fundamental questions relating to dark matter and the structure of the universe. 

Dr Amanda Caples – Victoria’s Lead Scientist.  Dr Caples provides strategic leadership to align thr state’s science, technology and innovation capabilities with industry priorities, economic development and emerging areas of national interest. 

Associate Professor Jen Martin – a science communicator, educator and former field ecologist whose work has focussed on strengthening communication between scientists and the broader public. She is widely recognised for helping researchers develop the skills required to communicate science clearly, effectively and accessibly across diverse audiences.  

Rob Gell AM  - serves as the President of the Royal Society of Victoria, having stepped into the role in May 2021. He is a coastal geomorphologist, environmental consultant, and veteran media personality best known for his long career presenting television weather in Australia.  

“Being part of the STEM Forum experience was one of a kind. Being able to interact with so many other students with passion and enthusiasm just like us was amazing. We got inspired that day and motivated to be confident and to showcase our ideas. The day was filled with exploration and discovery. 

 

I would highly recommend this experience to every single student that wants to have a voice, and give a voice to people around them, and students who are curious and inquisitive.” 

 

- Seerat D, Year 9 Student 

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