Laura Spelbrink

Class of 2006

When I graduated MGC in 2006 I had varied interests and wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue. I had amazing science teachers at school and always saw myself heading down the science path but I was also fascinated by politics, history and philosophy and loved being outdoors. Doing a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts double degree at The University of Melbourne meant I could keep my options open.

After a few years at university and a stint living in Canada, I decided that I wanted to be a chemist. I was fascinated by finding answers to the big questions on a tiny scale, but thought I would have to sacrifice my love of the outdoors for a career in research. Then I discovered geology, and I loved it! I found myself out adventuring through the bush and learning all about this amazing planet, how it works and constantly changes, and I couldn’t have been happier. I guess some people always have an idea of what they are going to be ‘when they grow up’ but I think for most people it happens cumulatively as we gain life experience.

I spent some time on exchange in Hong Kong and then returned to Australia to complete a Master of Science at The University of Melbourne. My research focused on the geology and tectonics of East Timor and my time spent doing field work there was one of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences of my life. I graduated from as Dux in the School of Earth Sciences and was named 2013 Valedictorian of the Faculty of Science at The University of Melbourne.

Since 2014 I have been working as a geologist in remote locations all over Australia and I am lucky to say that I love my job. While being away from home often has its challenges, I recognise how fortunate I am to be working in amazingly beautiful places that most people will never see. As a woman in a male-dominated industry I am reminded of the challenges that still face women in the workplace and have learnt that effective communication and diversity in teams always leads to the best outcomes.

I am passionate about education and gender equality and eager to promote science education for girls and young women. It is unfortunate that science is seen as ‘too hard’ for so many people, I think understanding how the world works is a fundamental part of being human and that scientists have a responsibility to communicate what they do and make it accessible to all of society. While at university, I volunteered with several organisations, including the In2Science program, communicating and promoting science in high schools. I am currently involved with the CSIRO Scientists in Schools program and have partnered with MGC to work in classrooms and promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) education.

My time at MGC undoubtedly shaped the woman I am today and equipped me with the resilience and confidence to pursue my career so far. The school was amazing in its ability to nurture and encourage a diverse group of girls with different needs and interests. I am proud to call myself an alumna of the College and am grateful to have attended a school that empowered young women to take charge of their futures, whatever lay ahead.

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