MDCC Girls in STEM High Tea
7NEWS Riverina - Girls in STEM
Video series: How do you promote STEM to girls in schools? Ask a teacher
Article: The road less travelled by Ruth Cooper
Based on current research delivered by Jenny Gore, (Director of the Teachers & Teaching Research Centre, at School of Education, University of Newcastle NSW) at the 8th Annual STEM Conference, 2021, NSW Year 11 and 12 student subject selections show a gender imbalance. The report covered trends across Mathematics, Science and Technology which show a decline and or lower participation of females across subjects, except biology, in comparison to males. According to the Aspirations Longitudinal Study, which surveyed 12186 NSW students and held a focus group of 697 students from 56 schools, only 27% of females had an occupational interest in STEM careers (Jaremus, f., Gore, J., Fray, L. 2018). Engineers Australia also released a report, identifying a lack of females entering into engineering and discussed these trends with multiple stakeholders (Women in Engineering, June 2022).
Mater Dei Catholic college represents a similar trend across STEM areas such as science, mathematics and technology subjects.
This MDCC Girls in STEM High Tea 2022 program developed as a collaboration between Mater Dei Catholic College, Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Education and Training.
The program aimed to promote and encourage future STEM pathways for Stage 5 girls.
The students listened to background information about subject selections and then heard the inspirational journeys of our Guest Speakers:
Myf Clarke Technical Role Charles Sturt University Masters in Agricultural Business Management | Gioia Gianniotis Principal Architect GPG Architecture & Design | Megan Williams Seedcare Institute Commercial Manager Syngenta |
Students then participated in an engineering challenge with the help of STEM professionals who mentored the girls throughout the challenge. The mentors also shared their journeys, passions and career choices.
The Year 11 MDCC Hospitality students catered for the High Tea under the guidance of Ms Hazelwood.
Congratulations to the following students for winning the engineering challenge:
Riona Friedlieb, Georgie Donelan and Ava Moller
Marli McDonnell and Taylor Smyth
THANK YOU
Thank you to the wonderful mentors for inspiring our students and sharing knowledge about yourselves and your STEM pathways.
Thank you also to the fundamental support and coordination of mentors from Jodi-Lynn Slocombe, Administration Officer, AgriPark, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Engagement) Charles Sturt University and Stacey Suidgeest, Senior Project Officer – Regional Industry Education Partnerships, NSW Department of Education and Training.
MENTORS
| Gioia Gianniotis | Architect and Business Owner GPG Architecture and Design |
| Lina Wood | Co-Head Podiatrist & Founder Active Foot Clinic |
| Jo Cocks | Production and Broadcast Solutions, Specialist: Sport, Movies and TV, Foxtel Group |
| Lucy Bourne | GHD |
| Ashley Pattison | Physiotherapist and Accredited Hand Therapist Riverina Hand Therapy |
| Bella Pakes | Current 3rd year medical student - UNSW |
| Leigh Maloney | Ecologist - Senior Conservation Planning Officer – South West Biodiversity and Conservation | Department of Planning and Environment |
| Bec Dennis | Fisheries Technician Fisheries Research | NSW Department of Primary Industries | Fisheries |
| Desiree Fowler | Project Development Manager Transport for NSW |
| Amy Evans | Transport for NSW |
| Dr Miao Li | Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering Charles Sturt University |
| Danielle Ogden | Road Designer Transport for NSW |
| Rhena Gerahty | |
| Sandy Collins | RSM Australia Pty Ltd Accountant |
| Jessica Creed | Regional Manager Regulatory Operations NSW Environment Protection Authority |
| Briohny Seaman | Senior Operations Officer Regulatory Operations NSW Environment Protection Authority |
| Jo Nolan | NSW Training Manager CPB Contractors |
| Sharon Gray | Group Manager, Indigenous and Social Inclusion CPB Contractors |
| Fiona Piltz | Head of People and Culture Catholic Education Office |
| Candice Masling | People & Culture Systems Specialist Catholic Education Office |
| Emma Zanotto | Civil Designer Xeros Piccolo |
| Clare Lawlor | Audit Accountant Bush & Campbell |
| Brooke Longmore | Accountant Bush & Campbell |
| Ellena Zacharia | Project Manager Ladex Construction Group |
| Megan Williams | Seedcare Institute Commercial Manager Syngenta |
| Lihong Zheng | Associate Professor in Computer Science Charles Sturt University |
| Charmaine Carlisle | Laboratory Manager, Faculty of Science Charles Sturt University |
| Myf Clarke | Project Coordinator, School of Humanities and Social Sciences Charles Sturt University |
| Bernadette Howard | RSM Australia Pty Ltd Senior Accountant |
Courtney Freebody I Leader of Learning and Education