How do you inspire Fintona girls to reach their full potential in STEM?
I believe in creating a culture of empowerment amongst the students in two ways: breaking any perceived stereotypes and by establishing a strong sense of belonging.
The students at Fintona are remarkable young women who put great effort into everything they pursue. I aim to inspire them to believe that anything is possible in the field of science and that no opportunity is beyond their reach. My goal is to foster a sense of curiosity and wonder, ensuring that all students are actively engaged in every aspect of STEM. By combining both theoretical learning and hands-on experiences, I hope to encourage them to embrace all STEM-related opportunities with enthusiasm and confidence.
One way to foster a sense of belonging is by celebrating student successes – whether academic or non-academic, big or small. Recognising these achievements helps keep students motivated and engaged in their pursuits. However, I also value the other side of the coin – the invaluable lessons learned through challenges, setbacks, and perseverance. These experiences are essential for student growth, resilience, and the development of a strong work ethic.
What fascinates you most about science?
The constant evolution of science over time is truly remarkable, from the ever-changing principles of the past to those that remain unexplained today. Science inspires a sense of wonder, captivating those who explore it. It allows us to uncover the mysteries of the universe, from the tiniest atoms to the vast expanse of space. Being a chemistry teacher, I might have a bit more bias within my field but every single science is truly amazing in its own merit.
If you weren’t a Science Teacher/Head of Science, what would you be instead?
I think I might have gone either one of two pathways that were presented to me after my undergraduate degree, Forensic Science or Food Chemistry, maybe working my way to a PhD in either field. But I strongly believe that I would have eventually worked my way back into education in some way shape or form. I think the teacher gene is strong within me!
How has science education evolved since you started teaching?
My teaching career began in 2017 and over time it’s remarkable to see the development of many different regions of science. The strides in AI from an education perspective have been quite remarkable, with custom videos and texts showcasing scientific principles that may have been challenging to simulate in the past in an accessible way. Simulations of concepts are also becoming more prevalent, as coding becomes easier and more accessible. Throughout COVID we learnt that interactions with people across the world can happen in real-time through video hosting platforms, so meeting professionals and experts in the field of science has never been easier!
What would you like your legacy to be at Fintona?
I would like to instil a strong passion in young women to boldly embrace science, not just for those who choose careers in science but also to those who don’t.