Let’s take a deep dive with Jess, a current participant in the 2023/ 2024 Curious Minds – Girls in STEM program, whom we caught up with recently. Her STEM Coach, Gypsy, is a Curious Minds Alumni, who was involved in the inaugural Curious Minds program in 2015/2016.

Jess wants to be an aeronautical engineer and Gypsy is a geologist. This may not seem like a match, but as Gypsy says, “I think being mentored by those of different interests can be extremely useful for the bigger picture.” They have mutual interests in math and all areas of science, particularly physics. Jess and Gypsy also both enjoy learning new things and finding ways to apply them in real life.

Like many other participants, Jess joined Curious Minds to be immersed in her interests and meet like-minded peers.
“My goals in the Curious Minds programs are to learn more things about science and STEM, and meet other girls interested in the same things,” Jess tells us.

Jess’s participation in the program has propelled her to embrace additional STEM projects.

“Some of the projects I’m working on is the science inquiry through CREST and I’ve recently finished my SUBS in Schools program.”

Jess explains how the program works, “SUBS in Schools is a yearlong STEM competition, where you compete in a team of 3-5 people. Your team works together to develop a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). We also work to create team branding, raise sponsorship, create computer aided design diagrams of our ROV, learn how to advertise your team on social media, and so many other things.”

“The competition gets you to think and learn about dozens of areas from project planning, management, and execution, and is a great way to learn about engineering, as well as things like graphic design, managing a team, electrical circuits, hydrodynamics and so much more.”

“Then, you compete in your state’s State Final, and if you come first, or even second or third sometimes, you get to progress to the National Finals, which is an amazing experience, as you get to see teams from all over Australia.”

It’s inspiring to witness Jess leveraging her experiences and skills she has gained from the Curious Minds program to enrich her involvement in various projects and hobbies. As she reflects, “The Curious Minds program helped me think of ways my ROV from the SUBS in Schools program could be used in real life application.”

As Gypsy told us, “She should be proud of the effort and performance of her team.”

Our STEM Coaches, comprised of female professionals from diverse backgrounds within the STEM industry, serve as both subject-matter experts and inspirational figures. They commit themselves to mentoring and guiding one to two girls in Years 9 or 10, nurturing their interest and potential in STEM studies and careers. These relationships are cultivated through regular mentoring sessions, during which they collaboratively set goals and devise projects. The catch ups are a chance to engage in discussions addressing challenges and future aspirations— just like Jess and Gypsy have done thus far.

“The highlight so far from the Curious Minds program was meeting all the other people involved as well as my coach.” Jess explains. “I’ve learnt so much from my STEM Coach about Year 11 and 12 subjects, career option and general life skills.”

“I’m also really looking forward to my Adelaide trip with Curious Minds.”

The Curious Minds Winter Camp takes place in July, with participants attending either the West Camp in Adelaide, or the East Camp in Canberra. The residential camps are an exciting adventure where they can catch up with their friends from the program and connect with STEM Coaches. It’s an immersive experience where students can engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and seminars led by experts in various STEM fields, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration for their academic and career pursuits.

The benefits are clear for participants like Jess, who says, “The Curious Minds program helped me gain more science skills for school, while helping solidify my future career goals.”
We can see a bright future for Jess, buoyed by her dedication and resilience, as her passion for STEM plunges to great depths