'Inspired by curiosity'
This was an event for girls in Year 9 and 10. It was the chance to be inspired by women who have forged impressive careers in STEM. These women are paving the way for your students to flourish in a STEM career.
This event explored females in STEM careers with a particular emphasis on the importance of mathematics required for success. Students heard from eight leading industry experts in a range of fields about their experiences working in a STEM focused career.
Presenters shared their stories; the journey they took, the contributions they have made, the impact of being a female, tips for success, and how to overcome obstacles along the way.
There was a particular emphasis on the importance of mathematics in VCE subject selection, university degrees and in STEM careers.
An interactive panel discussion followed the individual presentations.
Videos of each speaker are available below. Click on the person’s name to view the video of their presentation.
Opening Address
Dr Sue Barrell is passionate about the application of science to delivering highly valued outcomes for Australians. She has had a long career in the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. Her experience spans roles right across the Bureau, from forecasting to research to science and climate change policy to Senior Executive. As Chief Information Officer, Sue implemented a major organisational change initiative. Her research credentials include publications in satellite meteorology, cold front dynamics and cloud band climatology. Sue has been actively involved in international efforts in relation to climate policy and the coordination and integration of earth observations. Sue was recognised as a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) in 2013, a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Science and Technology Australia Superstar of STEM. She has a BSc (Hons) in Physics and a PhD in Astronomy. Master of Ceremonies
Engineer by profession, self-taught entrepreneur, working to change the world through engineering, mathematics, diversity and creativity. Felicity co-founded two social enterprises to impact diversity and engagement in engineering and mathematics – Power of Engineering and Machinam. Not-for-profit organisation Power of Engineering has inspired over 8,000 female and regional high school students across Australia about creative and diverse engineering careers. Machinam aims to engage students and teachers in real world mathematics by creating scenario based resources that are relevant to teenagers interest and future careers. She is a committed advocate for empowering girls and women to take up science careers. Industry experts
Taryn is currently an Aerodynamicist with Ford Motor Company. She grew up in country Victoria and was the only girl in her VCE Specialist math class, she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from Monash University in 2010. Initially she worked at the Monash University Wind Tunnel before commencing at Ford in 2011. In her role as an aerodynamicist, she conducts both analytical simulations and physical wind tunnel testing with full-scale clay models, vehicle prototypes and production level vehicles to support the design, development and verification involved with developing a vehicle before it goes on sale. Working for a global company, her role has provided her the opportunity to travel overseas for wind tunnel testing in multiple regions. She has been the lead for various sedan vehicle programmes and involved with academic studies to increase the understanding of correlation between various wind tunnel facilities.
Chivonne has a passion for architecture and craft, detailed design and the way these are incorporated into built form to enhance functionality. This has provided her with motivation throughout the last 15 years of her practical experience with CHT. Chivonne's expertise lies predominantly in contract administration, working on construction sites on a large variety of projects ranging from high end single residences, multi resident developments, retail, commercial and aged care projects. As a mother of two young children she finds that working part time in an effort to enhance her career in a male dominated field to be difficult. But a challenge worth accepting.
Sharon is an Economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Her current role involves analysing regional and industry-specific economic conditions. To help inform this analysis, she meets regularly with businesses from a wide of industries to discuss the conditions they are facing. Sharon’s previous roles at the RBA have been focused on monitoring bank asset performance, assessing risks to household balance sheets and analysing Australian labour markets. Sharon was drawn to economics as a career because it uses rigorous analytical methods to help solve real world-problems and inform policies that affect everyday people. In addition, economics has many diverse applications and vast multidisciplinary appeal. Sharon completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honours in Economics from the University of Melbourne. She has recently returned to Melbourne after four years of living in Sydney. As such, her weekends currently consist of reconnecting with friends and family, exploring old favourites and new additions to the local café scene and adjusting to the (relatively!) cold weather.
Kimberley graduated from RMIT University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Kimberley started her career by completing a graduate program at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. During a rotation in the Sustainability Team, Kimberley presented at the Victorian Stormwater Conference in 2014 which was then recognised in the 2014 Stormwater Victorian awards, winning in the category of Excellence in Policy or Education for a Downpipe Diverter initiative that was rolled out for the Balcombe Estuary catchment. From there Kimberley acted in a management role in the Safer Local Roads maintenance contract with Downer Edi Works. This lead to a secondment and then a full time position with Downer within the Pavements division managing projects in regional Victoria. To date her experience has largely been in delivering and managing Road Construction Projects up to $5M for VicRoads, just under $15M over a 18month period. Kimberley has recently taken on the opportunity to challenge and expand her construction knowledge and skill set by transferring to VEC, within the wider Downer Group, to assist in the build and delivery of Bridge Projects.
Kirsten Pilatti was appointed CEO in March 2018. She has an exceptional understanding of the cancer sector having spent over a decade at BCNA and five years at Cancer Council Victoria where she was responsible for delivering communications and campaigns around prevention messages. Highly regarded for her passion and focus on Australian women and men who have been affected by breast cancer, she is committed to giving everyone a voice and reducing the disparity of care across the country. Kirsten was born and raised in Western Australia and lives in Melbourne with her partner and two sons. |
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PROGRAM |
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9:00 - 9:15 |
Registration |
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9:15 |
Welcome Master of Ceremonies: Felicity Furey Opening address: Dr Sue Barrell, Chief Scientist of the Bureau of Meteorology |
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9:45 |
Experts
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10:30 |
Morning tea |
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11:00 |
Experts
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11:25 |
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12:00 |
Closing |
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12:45 |
Close |
Download a PDF of the program here.
Student Testimonials:
I have a real passion for science and would love to become a Geologist, so attending this event allowed me to see what kind of careers I can do in the scientific field.
I found mathematics difficult and couldn't really see why it was important in the long run. I was so wrong!
Be prepared to give things a go, don't worry if you do not know what you want to do in a career, take time to find the thing that you are passionate about but keep on with your STEM studies.
The variety of careers, and understanding that Engineering is not just a few types, but many and varied. Use of Maths is important in those careers.
