Students from almost 50 schools across south-east Queensland will gain insights into the inner workings of NASA at a STEM showcase next month.
The Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) STEM Make A Difference (MAD) Showcase on September 9 will feature Tully Mahr, an Aerospace Engineering student and NASA intern as a guest speaker.
BCE Deputy Executive Director Durm O’Riordan said Ms Mahr, a Gundungurra woman, spent time at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
“Tully will take our students interstellar as she shares her experience working at NASA’s Origins and Habitability Laboratory,” Mr O’Riordan said.
“Our students won’t just learn about what might support life within our solar system and beyond, they’ll also discover the limitless possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, igniting their imaginations and ambitions for the future.”
He said with current gender disparities in STEM fields, they also hoped Ms Mahr would inspire and encourage the next generation of innovators.
BCE Lead Education Advisor Rochelle Smith said STEM MAD aimed to develop the essential skills for the future, including analytical and creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and a passion for lifelong learning.
“From emotional intelligence to clear communication and technological literacy, STEM MAD equips our students with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
Ms Smith said the STEM MAD Showcase would also include activities like student-led certificate design and 3D trophy printing competitions.
She said students from Our Lady of the Angels at Wavell Heights would podcast live from the event, conducting interviews with teachers, students, and staff.
BCE has also partnered with Apple Education for this year’s STEM MAD event, which will see students from Siena Catholic College Sippy Downs co-host webinars on app design.
