Girls swap boots for lab coats at USQ
IT WAS a girls-only road trip for 13 young women as they swapped their boots for lab coats at the University of Southern Queensland.
From Charleville to Toogoolawah, the students visited Toowoomba for a Darling Downs South West Girls STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) event where they met with USQ nursing and astronomy academic staff.
The students, from Years 9, 10 and 11, were chosen for their high achievement in STEM-related subjects at school and active interest in their school community.
After a chilly but awe-inspiring night of star gazing with astronomer Rodger MacQueen, the group printed 3D models with tech-superstar Stephanie Piper from USQ Library Engagement.
For 14-year old Vaani Bhatt from Toogoolawah State High School, the session on nursing was of particular interest given her dream to go into medicine.
Senior lecturer (nursing) Dr Coralie Graham shared her personal journey of growing up on a property in Central Queensland, including the challenges and opportunities she faced on her quest to become a scientist.
“It was really important to tell these young regional women that ‘I was you’. I started in the same place,” Dr Graham said.
“Just because you’ve grown up in the country, don’t think you can’t do science – if you want a career in a STEM profession, you can do it.”