Dr Atiyeh Vaezipour was recently invited to be a Young Science Ambassador with The University of Queensland Wonder of Science program.
The Wonder of Science team promote a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) culture in Queensland schools. The goal of the program is to help students understand the importance of STEM and to believe that STEM education and careers are accessible to them.
Dr Vaezipour explains what attracted her to apply to be a part of the program:
“Given that we are currently living in a fast-growing world of interdisciplinary digital transformation, STEM skills are vital for the future economic and social well-being of the nation, with a large number of the fastest growing occupations and industries requiring STEM skills and knowledge. I believe, creating interest in STEM education and career pathways is important, particularly among young people, and even more specifically among young girls, due to the current under-representation of women in STEM fields.
I am also a strong believer in the importance of having an inspiring role-model to spark an interest in STEM careers. Providing an opportunity for school children to engage with Young Scientist Ambassadors can further highlight the real-time examples and applications of STEM careers. Moreover, school visits would have the potential to combat stereotypes that may exist in the community. Therefore, I would like to pass my experience on to the younger generation by telling them my journey to date and examples of how STEM education can benefit our society, and even our world as a whole.”
Last week, Dr Vaezipour and The Wonder of Science team were out on the Darling Downs judging student presentations at the Dalby Regional Conference. The students presented their responses to STEM challenges set for them earlier in the year. The visit was featured by both WIN News and the ABC radio. See videos of the visit and the great work the students are doing on the Wonder of Science Facebook page.
