My name is Jillahkull McInnes, and I’m a proud Indigenous student from rural FNQ. I live in Mareeba on my mothers country – the Koko-Muluridji people.
Even though there are less opportunities in the area compared to other cities, I still consider myself passionate about STEM in many forms. I’m deeply interested in the arts (music and fashion history) but I also find it engaging to explore physics and how the two fields are connected.
Last year, I was extremely fortunate to attend NYSF, with support from the organisation and the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (YIWSA). With this 8 day opportunity hosted by the University of Queensland, I, amongst many others, was able to experience a wide variety of science and feel more comfortable tackling the final hurdle of Year 12. For me, a highlight was being able to speak to STEM professionals, such as the scientists at Forensic Science Queensland, and not only examine their career path, but the intricacies in their day-to-day, and see the combination of STEM in their field. I greatly enjoyed learning about how they identified chemicals and interacted with other departments for criminal cases.
Being Indigenous in STEM is quite dear to me. Not only have I been inspired by other Indigenous role models, both in the field and personal, but I desire to support other indigenous students, and expand my own knowledge of STEM and how it relates to my culture.
Science, especially physics, exists everywhere – our homes, society, but deep within my culture. In my tribal group’s song lines, star charts and even in the projectile motion of the woomera.
Each opportunity provided for me and other students is brilliant, especially for students who might be the first in their family to pursue University, or where this support can finally break down the barriers of distance, support or lack of opportunity.
I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to attend LIYSF in London, especially since I’ve never been overseas. I am most looking forward to the physics labs in the universities and meeting Nobel-winning speakers, but also a bit of sightseeing – 221B Baker Street especially.
And so, I would like to restate my intense gratitude towards all who’ve supported me on my journey overseas. Thank you to NYSF for your generous scholarship, and thank you tremendously to the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy for supporting my travel overseas. So many people lent me their advice, patience and faith, and I cannot be more thankful.
