What was your school experience in STEM and how do you draw upon that to inspire your students?
I studied chemistry, physics, and psychology during my VCE and later completed a degree in chemistry. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on aspect of science, especially conducting chemistry experiments. Drawing on my personal experiences and providing real-life context, I aim to inspire students by sharing relevant stories and engaging them with practical activities that will enhance their learning experience.
Who or what do you find inspirational in STEM fields?
My chemistry teacher was a great source of inspiration. Her passion for chemistry was evident, and she explained complex concepts in a clear and engaging way. Her teaching sparked my own deep interest in the subject, which ultimately led me to complete a degree in chemistry. Now, I’m eager to share my passion and knowledge with my students.
What advice would you give students who struggle with science?
My advice would be to stay open-minded and put in the effort. Surprisingly, I struggled with science before Year 11 because I relied on memorisation rather than truly understanding and applying the concepts. However, I kept an open mind and continued studying science for VCE. That’s when I developed a genuine interest in the subject and found the right study methods. I would offer the same advice to students who struggle with science: it can be frustrating, but with persistence, practice, and experimenting with different study approaches, you may discover a hidden talent for the subject.
Do you remember when you first realised you had a love or talent for science?
My VCE teachers were incredibly inspiring, and my interest in chemistry grew significantly once I realised how fascinating the reactions could be. I still remember a simple safety demonstration my teacher performed: she added alkaline and acidic solutions to eggs, showing how the protein changed texture. This demonstration highlighted the importance of wearing safety glasses, as the same reaction could occur if the solutions got into our eyes. I was amazed that such a simple action could alter the chemical structure of something, which sparked my desire to learn more. Practical chemistry classes quickly became a highlight of my day. I enjoyed them so much, that I dedicated a lot of time to studying and often found myself researching scientific phenomena in my own time.
If you could have dinner with any scientist (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Marie Curie is the scientist I would most like to have dinner with. She was an inspiring woman who had extraordinary achievements in both physics and chemistry. Marie championed the use of radiation in medicine and revolutionised our understanding of radioactivity. Despite the male-dominated scientific community of her time, she proved that women can make remarkable contributions to science. I would love to learn more about her discoveries in radioactive elements and gain insights into her ground-breaking work.
What did you want to be, when you were growing up?
Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher, inspired by my mum, who is a primary school teacher. At university, I was certain I would work in the field of chemistry. Now, I’m fortunate to enjoy the best of both worlds: I can teach chemistry and, hopefully, use my experience to inspire more young girls to pursue careers in STEM.