Year 12 Biology students are benefiting from CSIRO’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Professionals in Schools program, with two university academics sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for science throughout the year.
Students are fortunate to gain cutting-edge insights from Shene, who is currently completing a PHD in drug design at Walter Eliza Hall Institute, and Priscilla, who has completed a PHD in evolution and genetics and works as a research fellow at Federation University Australia.
The STEM professionals are working with VSV staff to apply real industry skills to STEM subjects through a range of initiatives, including mentoring, career talks and activities. One of the planned activities for semester one and two is a virtual tour of the university laboratories where the scientists work.
For many students, this is the first time they have met a person who works in the STEM sector. Students have found it illuminating to see science at work – to hear first-hand what it’s like to be employed in the sector, see practical examples of scientists’ work and ask questions.
STEM professionals in schools is a national volunteer program that facilitates partnerships between schools and industry to bring real STEM into the classroom.
