Local female high school students will visit the University of New England and CSIRO Agriculture and Food for Girl’s Day next week to learn more about career options in science, technology, engineering and research.
Forty girls, in years 7 and 8, will be hosted by 2019 Superstar of STEM Dr Debbie Bower, lecturer in Ecosystem Rehabilitation and colleague, molecular biologist Dr Mary McMillan, at UNE.
“It’s a great opportunity to show the students how much fun we have doing science and for younger women to explore the opportunities and pathways that are available to them,” Debbie said.
“We’ll end the visit with a panel discussion to give the students opportunity to ask questions of a team of female scientists about science, research, career opportunities and life lessons.”
Fellow Superstar of STEM, Dr Sonja Dominik, will also host 40 girls at CSIRO at Armidale - a working farm that features projects on animal sensors, genetics, animal health and sheep, cattle and chicken welfare.
Image: Dr Sonja Dominik will use simulated sheep to illustrate genetics at CSIRO
“Female role models in science are important to give young girls the confidence that they can have a career in science, in particular in regional areas. Girls’ Day is a great opportunity for local school girls to meet local women in science,” Sonja said.
“We have an exciting day planned for them.”
The girls will work in small groups to learn more about projects on site, data collection, recording and analysis. As part of all the activities girls will have time to talk to CSIRO’s female technicians who will share stories about their life, the choices they have made and their careers.
Girls’ day, which will take place on Wednesday 19 June, is a world-wide initiative that originated in Germany in 2000 with the aim of strengthening girl’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The event will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm and bookings for both the Armidale locations are currently full.
Armidale is one of eight locations hosting Girls’ Day in Australia. Participation is coordinated by the Goethe Institut Australien.
