STEM @ Koonung 

STEM - Term 4 

Throughout the program, we explored the STEM field of science, focusing on different conditions such as preeclampsia, glaucoma and complicated pneumonia. We had the privilege of learning about the remarkable research our mentors were undertaking in the workplace.

We were provided with such incredible opportunities during the program. Jodi and I visited our mentor’s laboratory at the Mercy Hospital for Women. There, we met inspiring professionals in the field of women’s health and learned about their roles and the pathways that led them to careers in medical research. We also attended a webinar with other passionate people in the health community, toured different departments of the hospital, and even had the opportunity to study a placenta in the lab.

Khine and Ellie went to The Centre for Eye Research Australia, where they learned about the research behind the scenes of glaucoma treatment, and were fortunate enough to have met many inspirational figures, such as a researcher focusing on new methods of treating glaucoma, such as by regrowing the cells in the eye. 

Izzy had the opportunity to visit Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Here, she got to sit in on a board meeting between a research group, and hence see what a career in medical research consists of. She was also fortunate enough to see some Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria being grown using the bacterial culture diagnostic method, and observe some new molecular diagnostic methods that are being used to improve pneumonia treatment within the Asia-Pacific region.

We found the experience incredibly inspiring. It showed us how science can directly improve lives and encouraged us to consider a future in women’s health research. We had never considered the vital behind-the-scenes roles in hospitals, such as researchers and laboratory scientists, but now we see how many exciting and meaningful opportunities exist in science.

Overall, this experience was such an amazing opportunity that we were so grateful to have. It was so amazing to have represented Koonung in such a fun and educational way, and it was incredible to have met so many other inspirational girls from different schools. Additionally, we had the opportunity to present speeches about this program to the many mentors and mentees toward the end of the day, which was a wonderful way to reflect on the Veski Girls in STEM Program, and to share our diverse and unique experiences with the other Year 10 and 11 girls. 

Emily Nash and Jodi Goi  (10D)

Kirby Sens

Learning Specialist Student Engagement Programs Leader

Design & Technology Teacher

STEM: Electric Vehicle Incursion

In September, our Year 9 and 10 STEM students took part in an exciting Electric Vehicle Incursion, part of the Engineering Tomorrow program — a hands-on lab designed to inspire the engineers and innovators of the future.

Delivered in partnership with Gateway LLEN and the Port of Melbourne, this pilot program connected our students with a global network through collaborations with NASA, Vena Energy, and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Throughout the session, students explored the history, development, and design features of electric vehicles, before rolling up their sleeves to build their very own powered cars. They then shared their creations online with other schools and capped off the day with an exciting race to test their designs right here at school.

Students also had the unique opportunity to hear from industry experts, gaining insight into the rapidly evolving world of sustainable technology and engineering careers.

The mix of virtual learning and hands-on building made for an electrifying experience!

Ms Lydia Tomic

Mathematics Teacher | Excellence & High Ability Practice Leader