If you’ve ever read a scientific paper or attended a chemistry class, you’ll know the world of STEM and the lingo that comes with it can almost be like learning another language.
This is where passionate ‘translators’ like Frankie Lake come in.
“There are very few people in the world that can talk to both STEM people and other stakeholders and be understood and respected by both parties,” says the UNE Bachelor of Science student.
“If I can be one of those people that gets to share important discoveries and new ideas with the world in a way that will make people care, I will be very lucky.”
Frankie is in the third year of her degree, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Communication, and hopes she can use her skills to make important research and ideas accessible to the general public.
“Given the big decision makers in our world generally don't have a STEM background, it's important to have communicators that advocate for science in a way that non-STEM people understand to ensure funding and other related decisions aren't made blindly.”
While Frankie has had a keen interest in science since high school, it’s taken a while for her to realise her true calling.
Before starting at UNE, she was working in the world of co-working and hospitality.
“I started when I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my future,” she says.
“While I loved my job and adored the people I got to meet in my day-to-day, I was getting a little tired of hospitality-based roles. A lot of the STEM-companies working in our spaces did very interesting things and I was just fascinated by what my future could hold.”
Given the big decision makers in our world generally don't have a STEM background, it's important to have communicators that advocate for science in a way that non-STEM people understand to ensure funding and other related decisions aren't made blindly.
Almost three years later, she hasn’t looked back. Frankie has excelled academically, receiving the prestigious Riggs Prize for Chemistry for her success in 2025.
The flexibility of online study has meant she has been able to achieve this all while maintaining her busy lifestyle.
“I could continue working and even move to a new state without disrupting my study,” says Frankie.
“My fiancé and I love to travel when we can, so online classes mean I can take my uni with me when we go away if I haven't managed to squeeze it in before we go.”
The intensive schools each trimester have also been a highlight.
“I love coming to campus and meeting new people, and my Chemistry lecturers are wonderful and put up with my million questions every time. I definitely wouldn't be where I am without them.”
As for what’s next, Frankie is excited to see where her degree takes her.
“There are many things that I think could be super interesting and I think it'll depend entirely on where I am living when I finish as to what I do. I love the idea of research, but I also like the idea of being in a communications role.”
For anyone in a similar position to Frankie, she has one piece of advice:
“My top tip would be ensuring you don't leave things to the last minute. As soon as you get behind it's so hard to catch up!”
