PowerHer Trip Inspired Young Women in STEM

In Week 2 our PowerHer team went to Sydney to learn from some of the foremost minds in STEM.

The event, sponsored by the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute, is designed to give young women and insight into the future of careers in STEM. It is also a chance for students to network with experts in their field.

Day one of the seminar had the girls hear from Sharon Swift, Sue Keay, Dr Rebecca Green, Doha Goreishi and Dr Richard Hopkins. The girls were treated to presentations on everything from artificial intelligence to green energy to solar powered racing.

The second day saw the girls put their skills into action. Mentored by Dr Rebecca Green, they were tasked with creating an artwork that celebrated the history of a simulated town as it transitioned from coal power to green energy.

The students had a couple of hours to create a pitch for a sustainable riverwalk which they had designed. They then had to pitch this project to their peers and mentors.

The trip wasn’t all work, however. The girls also got to walk along Coogee beach, dine at some fantastic local eateries and see Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Rocks.

“It was great to show the girls around the UNSW campus,” recounts PowerHer supervisor Sharmane Cunial, “They were amazed by how big it was.”

“They were such a nice bunch of girls to take away,” adds Mrs Cunial, “The trip opened their minds to the left of field careers that they may never have considered before. It was also great for them to tap into resources like Dr Green. I think they really got a lot out of the excursion.”

A huge thank you to Mrs Cunial and Mrs Boardman for sacrificing a public holiday to provide our students with this amazing opportunity and to MASE for facilitating this experience.

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