 |
| Emma Wignall watches on as students are shown through the Canberra Institute of Technology's Forensic Science Department. Photo credit: National Youth Science Forum |
ANSTO is a proud sponsor of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). NYSF helps Year 12 students make informed decisions about courses and careers in the sciences.
In this article, St Brigid's Emma Wignell shares her experiences from the event in Canberra and her dream of working for ANSTO.
In this article, St Brigid's Emma Wignell shares her experiences from the event in Canberra and her dream of working for ANSTO.
Last week, Year 12 high school students joined others from across the country for two weeks of science experiments and social activities.
The National Youth Science Forum helps these up-and-coming scientists set career goals and build professional skills. Founded by Rotary, it focuses on science, technology and engineering as well as networking.
St Brigids College student Emma Wignell says the forum is an opportunity to not just explore science but experience university life and make new friends.
“Prior to NYSF I hadn’t really considered studying interstate or the experiences and opportunities it would present me,” she says.
After year 12, Miss Wignell is planning to do a double major in physics and chemistry, with some science communication units thrown in.
“I would like to go on to do a PhD in either chemistry or physics and work for ANSTO or another science- based organisation who are working on finding solutions to real world problems.”
Matt Alexander, a Year 12 student at Mazenod College, attended the forum and says meeting like-minded people with a similar passion for science is a highlight of the event.
“Like many people my age, I haven't pin-pointed what I want to do but I would love to work as a specialist in a hospital, working with a variety of different people,” he says. “The people who led us, 'the staffies', were magnificent, engaging and motivating.”
Mr Alexander says his favourite science subjects are human biology and chemistry. He plans to study medicine at UWA after finishing school.
Perth Modern School student Patrick Morrison also says meeting other students is a big part of the forum.
“It’s inspiring and exciting to know that these people are the future of science in Australia and around the world,” he says. “These are the people I will be meeting and collaborating with throughout my career in science; these are the people that have the future in their hands.
When Mr Morrison leaves school at the end of this year he plans to pursue a double degree in neuroscience and communications and media.
View the original article on Science Network.