MONASH UNIVERSITY: Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Program

Fifty-three teams of Year 10 young women from a range of Victorian schools attended one-day workshops through May and June in a learning initiative Monash have developed called the WISE program. Participants in teams of four learnt about connected technology and the 'Internet of Things', developed hands-on skills in IT coding using the micro:bit device and discovered how to develop and pitch an entrepreneurial idea. Each team was mentored by a third year IT female student from Monash University. The program was held in the magnificent new Learning and Teaching building. On Saturday 1 June, McKinnon was represented by two teams. The students involved were:

Alisha Gollen
Bridget Chapman
Karleen Han
Michelle Gu
Catherine Braniska
Jaime Tyzack
Julia Giantsos
Grace James

A fabulous day of learning and collaboration was enjoyed by all. Both McKinnon teams developed fantastic products and presented eloquent pitches. Below are some reflections from the students:

The Monash WISE program was an incredible experience that I really enjoyed. Our mentor, Niky, was so nice and willing to involve herself in our team and help us out whenever we needed support. I now have a deeper understanding of the importance of IT for the future and the day has opened up many possible career choices for me.

Jaime Tyzack

I was able to learn how to work better in a team, having people assigned specific roles catered to them. I also was able to broaden my knowledge of businesses, technology and presenting a pitch.

Bridget Chapman

Overall, the day not only gave me a greater understanding of coding and developing technology, but opened my mind to new ways of thinking. I learned about how to break down a seemingly simple task and consider all the different parts that are required to code and perform a simple action. I also got to see all the different aspects of creating and launching a product or business.

Catherine Braniska

From the WISE program, I gained valuable experience in collaborative problem-solving and innovative thinking, real-world skills that I can apply to many other scenarios. The program provided us with insight into the challenges of entrepreneurship and the world of STEM, and has piqued my curiosity in these fields.

Karleen Han

I found the WISE program very eye-opening and inspiring. The fast-paced and open-ended project instilled in me the importance of teamwork and leadership in order to complete our goals to a high standard. Everyone was so enthusiastic and friendly, and we couldn't have done it without our lovely mentor, Mel, whose guidance and motivation were invaluable.

Michelle Gu

Well, I thought the whole programme was amazing. I really enjoyed seeing so many people coming up with different ideas, it was really interesting. Everyone was coming up with different solutions for problems in the world and it was brilliant to see the amount of ideas. It really felt like we were all creating our own businesses. Also, I really enjoyed playing around with the micro-bit and discovering what it can do. I know I'll be using it more now, even if it's just for fun. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this!

Grace James

A special thank you to Ms Emily Nicholls and Mr Allan Keogh for assisting the students to ensure their success on the day.

Therese Sweeney

Learning Area Manager: Science

VISIT FROM PROFESSOR GRAHAM FARQUHAR

Last week the Science Faculty hosted a special visitor. Professor Graham Farquhar AO, FAA, FRS, was a student at McKinnon in the early 1960’s. He went on to become one of Australia’s most eminent scientists in the field of Biophysics. His work has helped us to understand, in detail, how photosynthesis works in plants. As just one example of a consequence of this work, Professor Farquhar developed a method for identifying crop plants that could be grown in areas where rainfall is limited. He was a lead writer on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) during the time the panel won the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore in 2007. Some of Professor Farquhar's other accolades include:

2018 Senior Australian of the Year;
Prime Minister's Prize for Science in 2015 for his modelling of photosynthesis;
Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture by the Australian Academy of Science in 2016;
Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences (Biology) in 2017. (First Aussie to get this one!)

Professor Farquhar met with staff and students and toured the school during his visit. He gave a talk to the Year 12 Biology students on his work and shared a few stories about his time at McKinnon. Later, during his tour, he reminisced with Andrew Newton (former McKinnon Assistant Principal and author of ‘The Tradition of Excellence’) and Geoff Woolnough (President of the Thislelonians) reflecting on the buildings that are no longer and the traditions and culture that are ever present.

We thank Professor Farquhar for making the time to come and visit us and share his journey.

A special thank you to Mrs Helen Naylor for making this day possible.

Therese Sweeney

Learning Area Manager: Science

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