How do you support teachers and students in the lab?
I organise all the practicals (pracs) carried out from Years 5 to 12 in general Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and DigiTech classes. I purchase the equipment, make up any chemicals required, and trial and tweak any experiments to ensure they will work in class. I risk assess each prac and make any changes required so that the prac clearly highlights the concept being taught and to ensure it is safe to run.
Do you have any favourite experiments or lab activities?
I can’t say that I have a favourite experiment. I do however, have a fondness for any practical using data loggers, especially when they’re used and the results turn out to be different than expected. The discussions afterwards with students and teachers about why this may have happened are great fun!
What do you find most exciting about science?
That there is always more to learn. Science is an integral part of life. Who hasn’t thought about how an induction cooktop works? Why does ice float in water? How is it that all mammals have seven vertebrae in their necks – including giraffes?
What advice would you give students interested in science careers?
Be curious. Try to think outside the box. Science isn’t a narrow field. It is intertwined closely with Art, Maths, Music, Computing and life! Do what you enjoy. There is never only one path.
Do you have an anecdote about science you would like to share?
Recently I went on the year 7 overnight camp to the Melbourne Zoo. At night we did a private tour with two guides and I was told that when a grey kangaroo is chased by predators a mother may shove her joey out of her pouch to reduce her weight and increase her speed. This makes it more likely she’s able to reproduce in the future. Seems heartless but it does make sense.
If you weren’t working in the field of science, what would you be doing instead?
Quite honesty, I would be happy working in any job where I am able to constantly learn. I love gardening, cooking, reading, coding, making 3D printable designs, doing crosswords – if I could pivot any of these into a career, I would be equally happy.