On day one of online STEM visits, students virtually toured The University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station, the National Computational Infrastructure at the Australian National University (ANU), and Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
“The Heron Island visit was so cool! I’ve never considered working in an environment like that, but now I’m considering it!”
Toyota took participants through the design and prototype procedures that go into designing the cars that get them to school every day.
They focussed on engineering for design, Toyota’s hydrogen engine journey, and connected vehicles.
Participants then travelled south to Casey Research Station in Antarctica with the Australian Antarctic Division.
In a live cross with researchers at the station, participants learnt what it takes to live and conduct meaningful research in the coldest place on earth.
“The Australian Antarctic Division was absolutely amazing and hearing and seeing everything about what goes on in Antarctica is amazing. Equally, the National Computational Infrastructure tour of GADI was super informative and engaging,” said one 2021 NYSF participant.
Other highlights from day one included:
- learning how personalised medicine is created with Professor Carola Garcia de Vinuesa FAA FAHMS from the Australian National University
- discovering the power of citizen science and learnt about the fascinating organisms that build coral reefs with Coral Watch
- getting up close and personal with Australia’s majestic animals and learned about conservation research at Taronga Zoo, while learning about the physiology and adaptations that ensure survival in challenging environments.
