"I volunteered as a Youth Advisor for the NYSF Stem Explorer program in 2017 and will be back again this year because I feel it's really important school students are encouraged to learn more about Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology."
The NYSF STEM Explorer Program 2018 kicks off in Adelaide today so we thought there was no better time to introduce the program's Youth Advisors (YA).
One of the most important and unique aspects of the program is our ‘youth for youth’ model, adopted from the NYSF’s Year 12 Program. For 35 years this ‘youth for youth’ model has been successful because participants at the program find youth leaders more relatable and inspiring as they are closer in age.
All YA are alumni of the NYSF’s Year 12 Program and share a passion for science. The leadership role is also a personal development opportunity for the volunteers.
Each Youth Advisor is assigned a group of student participants for the whole program. They will accompany the group to STEM Visits, assist in workshops/projects and provide pastoral and emotional support when required.
This year Katie Gray heads the team as the STEM Explorer Coordinator with 10 YAs on deck to ensure a fun, informative and inclusive experience for participants. Some of the advisors loved it so much last year they have returned for a second time.
So lets meet the team ...
STEM EXPLORER COORDINATOR
Katie Gray
"Hi my name's Katie and I went to NYSF in 2014 Session C. I'm in my final year of a dual Bachelor of IT and Science (Physics) at the University of Queensland and am really keen for NYSF STEM Explorer because last year's experience was valuable for everyone involved."
YOUTH ADVISORS
L - R Callum Breetzke, Renee Demeo, Breanna Evert, Georgia Hadlow and Connor McMahon
Callum Breetzke
"Hi I’m Callum Breetzke and I attended the NYSF Year 12 program in 2016. I had an amazing time at the program and was inspired to study Engineering at the University of Queensland, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
I volunteered as a Youth Advisor for the NYSF Stem Explorer program in 2017 and will be back again this year because I feel that it is really important that school students are encouraged to learn more about Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology. These areas of study not only open up many fascinating career options, but are stimulating and enjoyable.
NYSF STEM Explorer provides high school students with "taste tests" of a huge variety of STEM disciplines to show the amazing opportunities available in STEM related fields."
Renee Demeo
"My name is Renee and I attended NYSF session C in 2014. I'm currently doing my final semester of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in genetics with a Concurrent Diploma in Applied Mathematics. I'm also doing a research project at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, combining my genetics with programming.
I decided to volunteer for the STEM Explorer Program to help ignite a passion for science in the students involved, and help them to appreciate where studying science can lead by sharing my own experiences."
Breanna Evert
"Hey! My name is Bree and I’m currently in my final year of science/education at The University of Queensland, so you’ll be seeing me in a classroom near you in 2019! I love all things geography and I’m super passionate about STEM education so cannot wait to be a Youth Advisor for the second time!"
Georgia Hadlow
"My Name is Georgia! I attended NYSF in 2013 and was part of the STEM Explorer Program last year (which was super fun)! I have just graduated with a degree in Zoology and Conservation Biology from The University of Western Australia. I currently work at Scitech, presenting science shows and workshops all over WA. I also love taking care of Australian wildlife at my local wildlife shelter. "
Connor McMahon
"Hi, I’m Connor, and I’m a 2016 NYSFer! I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Climate and Weather. This is my second time as a Youth Advisor, and I cannot wait to be involved again. I’m very passionate about science communication and someday I’d love to meet and pick the brain of Dr Karl!"
L-R Emma Rae, Tom Roocke, Ashley Twigger,Carine Wessels and Ryan Wilson.
Emma Rae
"Hi I’m Em, and I went to NYSF in 2013. I recently graduated from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) with a Bachelor of Arts (Distinction)/Bachelor of Business (Distinction). I currently work in radio, and am looking to pursue a career in the communication and media industry.
I believe NYSF played an important role in how I pursue goals, as it provided me with an opportunity to see people truly passionate about their work. I’m excited to have the opportunity to help students have a similar experience in exploring different areas, and meeting dedicated and passionate professionals, during the STEM Explorer Program."
Tom Roocke
"Hi all! My name is Tom and I attended NYSF in 2017. I am a first year student at the University of Adelaide, studying a double degree in Science (Theoretical & Experimental Physics) and Computer Science.
I volunteered for the STEM Explorer program as I have a strong passion for the communication and outreach of science and I enjoy giving younger students an insight into the intriguing, multifaceted and creative process of science.
In my spare time I love anything involving music, so much so I work part time in a recording studio.
I am super keen for STEM Explorer and can't wait to meet you all! "
Ashley Twigger
"Hi, my name is Ashley! I’m a medical student, but currently work in a lab researching antibiotic-resistant infections and antibiotic alternatives. I love biology especially; but have a keen interest in all types of science! I applied to be a Youth Advisor at the NYSF STEM Explorer program to share my experiences of science so far with you and to discuss our passions for the subject! I look forward to meeting you all!"
Carine Wessels
"Hi! I’m Carine, a second year medical student at Monash University. I attended NYSF in 2016 and joined STEM Explorer as a Youth Advisor last year, which was a fantastic experience. I absolutely love science and I can’t wait to share my passion for it with some more students this year!"
Ryan Wilson
"Hi all, thought it was about time to do an introduction. I went to NYSF 2013 session C and am now studying a Bachelor of Mechanical and Aerospace engineering at the University of Queensland, doing an honours on machine learning for irrigation management. "Jelly the pupper" for reference.
I attended NYSF in 2014 and am Currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Queensland. I am interested in utilising emerging technologies to improve existing systems and the world around us. I volunteered to be a part of NYSF Stem Explorer to help inspire the next generation of young engineers and scientists to follow their dreams."
So there you have it – a fabulous team that is bound to make our young participants walk away from the program with lots of great memories, a greater awareness of STEM options, and a fired-up passion for science.