Tour to unlock students’ science direction

Four high school students from around Bunbury have been selected to attend the 2020 National Youth Science Forum in Canberra and Brisbane.

Bunbury Senior High School students Nathan Nguyen and Riley Martin will be joined by Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School students Madeleine Townsend-Hyde and Miranda Fahie as they try to settle on a STEM study and career path.

“It’s sort of like a careers expo for all the things you can do in science,” Riley said.

“I struggle with what I want to do in science, so that’s what I hope to gain from such a great event.”

During the 12 day forum, the students will visit science and technology-related laboratories and facilities, go on site tours, attend lectures and workshops, go to social events and participate in group activities that improve communication and presentation skills at the Australian National University or University of Queensland.

Before they were eligible to attend, applicants had to secure the backing of a Rotary club, a prerequisite that proved difficult with Nathan, with each club only allowed two applicants.

“I couldn’t get a hold of any of the clubs in Bunbury and then Riley’s was full,” he said.

“I’d given up on my application then a week before they were due I got a call from Ross Sherwood from Como and he was willing to take me as the applicant from that club.

“I couldn’t believe it.”

While Nathan was able to secure the backing of the Como club, Riley will be backed by the Rotary Club of Bunbury while Madeleine and Miranda will go courtesy of South Bunbury Rotary.

All of the students’ respective Rotary clubs have sponsored them $1000 towards covering the $3000 cost of the trip which the students will experience in January.