Narrabri High School student Eliza Dampney joined the keenest minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) year 12 program for what she describes as “a once in a lifetime experience”.
“My eyes are wide open and I’m ready to dive in,” Miss Dampney pre-empted the next chapter in her STEM journey.
The year 12 vice-captain attended the NYSF program in January after receiving the Narrabri Rotary Club endorsement and tackling a four-round interview process that started in Walcha last October.
“By attending the program, I was able to participate, talk to, and ask questions that you don’t often get to do in a small town, and got to see STEM in the flesh, on a much larger scale.
“I received deeper insight into the opportunities that lie ahead, and what my future could look like.
“I also got to make friends and learn from like-minded people.”
The NYSF program has attracted 14,000 students over the years, exposing participants to what a future in STEM looks like, the nontypical job opportunities available, and the chance to make important connections.
This year 41.5 per cent of participants came from remote and rural Australia.
The program ran between January 10–24 and delivered a jam-packed combination of digital and in-person experiences and events for attendees.
“For our first week, we dived into the world of STEM and attended online events such as a live cross to the CERN super collider in Switzerland, met Dr Karl and Adam Spencer, and participated in a nationwide science experiment with Matt Dodds.
“We helped control the radio telescope in Parkes, viewed pulsars from our laptops at home.”
“And saw the CSRIO Investigator live – the research ship which travels to and around Antarctica collecting and studying important data. We also learned about Tesla and the future of EVs (electronic vehicles).”
For the second week of the program Miss Dampney spent a week in Sydney exploring university labs and research facilities, as well as meeting all the new people she had connected with online the week before.
Miss Dampney’s visit to ANSTO’s main Lucas Heights facility to see Australia’s nuclear reactor was also an unforgettable highlight on her trip, as well as UNSW, where she plans on studying next year.
“At UNSW, I participated in biotechnology, materials science workshops and got to conduct my own experiments using high-tech equipment.
“After this I explored another private lab which tests water, air and materials for chemicals and dangerous substance. At Newcastle University we studied radioactive isotopes in VR, investigated the causes and effects of infertility in a bio-med workshop and explored the changes and damages to our water systems in an environmental sciences workshop.
“I also got the chance to speak about my NYSF experience on ABC radio with one of our student staff leaders Libby, at Newcastle University.”
Along with hundreds of remarkable students, Miss Dampney proudly joined a 61 per cent majority of young women, representing the future leaders in STEM, a position that was not lost on her.
“It is an incredible feeling to know that I’m part of that majority.
“Women have always been a minority in STEM so it’s awesome to see things starting to change.
“It feels great to be surrounded and supported by other keen and motivated young women. It also makes me feel as though I’m part of the change and am helping to inspire and promote women in STEM.”
Miss Dampney has no shortage of support with her dreams, including that of other women mentors.
As a past participant of the Curious Minds STEM camp, she was paired with senior manager of Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), Judy Lai, who helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and scientists get their ideas up and running.
While attending NYSF, Miss Dampney caught up with her in person for the first time after a year of communicating online.
“Judy is inspiring and enthusiastic, has been a pivotal influence in my STEM journey and continues to guide me along my path.
“During our time working together in my previous STEM program, she reached out to numerous women working in data for me to meet and ask questions.
“She continues to cheer me on in my journey and I very much appreciate having this connection and support.”
One of Miss Dampney’s heroes also happens to be her older sister Meagan who is currently studying her third year of electrical engineering at University of New South Wales (UNSW).
“Meagan has worked so hard to get to where she is and is an inspiration to me, motivating me to work hard to achieve what I want to do.
“Her commitment and dedication through HSC in the 2020 COVID lockdown and continual persistence at university has shown that you really can do anything and get to where you want to be.”
Miss Dampney is striving to undertake a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW next year, with dreams to work in data analytics after university.
Complementing her passion for numbers, organising data and finding patterns, the NYSF program has given her a clear vision for her future.
“There’s so much data in the world with not enough people to understand and ‘translate’ it.
“What excites me about working with data is that I can do it from anywhere and work for anyone, small businesses, large companies, private firms, the public sector, etc.
“I’ll sort through and find patterns, organise it, then present it back to the company in a way that’s easier to understand. Pretty much I’ll make stories with numbers.
While NYSF may be over, Miss Dampney will still have the full support of the program, with ongoing leadership-building opportunities.
“As part of the NYSF Alumni, I have the chance to participate in a six-month long leadership program, where I will learn and develop my skills along with reconnecting with the friends I made during the program and do it all again in January, but as a student staff member.
