Local students have curious minds

Local students Tilia Pires-Andersen and Lara Smyth from Newhaven College are two of 120 girls selected for Curious Minds, a STEM program for female students in Years 9 and 10 from regional, rural and low socio-economic areas across Australia.

Across six months, students selected in Curious Minds will engage in extension STEM workshops and activities to increase their confidence in science, technology, engineering and Maths (STEM).

The students will attend summer and winter camps where they’ll get a chance to learn about STEM through hands-on experiments and workshops, explore university campuses and meet new friends.

The online summer camp kicked off for east-coast residents who met virtually from December 11. Students will come together to meet face-to-face in July 2023.

Curious Minds gives participants access to STEM role models by matching students with female and non-binary mentors working in STEM fields. In partnership, students and mentors explore STEM subjects, university courses and career pathways while creating personal goals and discussing STEM interests.

This year’s mentors include a diverse mix of engineers, physicists, mathematicians, research and medical scientists, medical practitioners, chemists, geologists, and environmental scientists.

Tilia is particularly interested in maths and hopes to pursue a career in civil engineering where she can use her maths skills. Participating in the Curious Minds program, Tilia is excited to meet women working in STEM professions.

“I am looking forward to this year’s camp at ANU. I am extremely excited to meet a group of like-minded people who I can hopefully make lasting friendships with,” she said.

Lara loves all STEM subjects, particularly maths, biology and chemistry.

She is looking forward to working with other girls who have a passion for STEM and being able to meet them face-to-face in Canberra. When asked about her future she says, “I’m interested in studying science at university and then moving into medical research.”

Head of Mathematics at Newhaven College, Melinda Kelly is excited for the girls.

“Both Tilia and Lara are perfect candidates for the Curious Minds Project. They are hard-working, capable students who always apply themselves and we are really proud of them,” Melinda said.

According to the 2022 STEM Equity Monitor, 41 per cent of girls think that they’re not “smart enough” to study STEM.

“Curious Minds aims to change girls’ perceptions and improve their confidence,” said Australian Science Innovations Executive Director Alyssa Weirman.

“Only 21 per cent of girls want to pursue a STEM career compared to 42 per cent of boys.

“Curious Minds aims to show girls the vast diversity of STEM careers, and how women are making a difference in their chosen fields.”

Jointly delivered by The Australian Maths Trust (AMT) and Australian Science Innovations (ASI), Curious Minds participants are selected based on their academic performance and interest in STEM.

Students should also live in regional, rural, or low socio-economic areas, or have otherwise experienced limited opportunities.

“This program switches girls on to all aspects of STEM, exposes them to outstanding role models, and brings girls together in an extension learning environment where they get to know other young women like themselves who are passionate about STEM,” said program director Dr Kelsie Dadd.

“This year is particularly exciting as we transition back to a face-to-face model after several years of online learning due to the pandemic.

“Students will have a chance to explore the world-class facilities at The Australian National University or the University of Adelaide and explore options for further study.”

Curious Minds is funded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and is supported by the ANU and 3M. Learn more at www.curiousminds.edu.au