In partnership with Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre (BIEEC), Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) is excited to announce the upcoming STEM-tacular Girls Program, an annual educational camp held from 15 July to 19 July 2024.
The camp aims to inspire young women across Queensland to explore opportunities in STEM fields, with students selected based on their exceptional talents and interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
QAL, a dedicated supporter of STEM education and community empowerment, is delighted to announce its continued and expanded sponsorship of the STEM-tacular Girl’s Program. With a proud history of backing the camp for three years and committing to an additional three years, QAL reaffirms its pledge to nurturing the next generation of female STEM leaders.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with the BIEEC STEM-tacular Girls Program,” said Katie Genn, Acting Specialist in Energy and Soda at QAL.
“By providing crucial resources and our expert staff, we aim to inspire and empower these young women to pursue their passions in STEM.
“We also encourage students to consider future STEM positions in Gladstone, thereby contributing to the growth and prosperity of our local community,” she said.
Ms Genn, a University of Queensland graduate with a BE/ME in Chemical and Biological Engineering, joined QAL as a Graduate Process Engineer and has since made significant contributions to process development.
Sixty-four aspiring students applied for the camp, resulting in the selection of 46 candidates from 16 schools across a wide geographical area including Mackay Northern Beaches, Emerald, and Dalby. Among the participants are a future aerospace engineer, an enthusiast of animal and green STEM, and a Gladstone local eager to meet female STEM professionals.
Michael Gabriel, Principal of Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre, is excited to continue the partnership between QAL and BIEEC and extend the camp experience to more students.
“The anticipation is building for another week of hands-on learning for our students,” said Mr Gabriel.
“Our program targets young women who are traditionally underrepresented in the STEM arena, and we know that bringing likeminded students together creates a positive learning experience. We are continually blown away with the support from schools to allow students from all over Queensland to come away and immerse themselves in this program.”
Throughout the weeklong camp, participants will engage with leading women in STEM fields, gaining insights and hands-on experience that will shape their educational and career paths.
Ms Genn will lead an engaging session during the STEM-tacular Girls Program focused on freshwater quality and water filtration, and share firsthand experiences from her STEM career journey, including her work in Nepal studying water filtration abroad. Additionally, QAL’s Environment Undergraduate, Brooke Thomas, will conduct hands-on sessions demonstrating filtration techniques in our local environment, providing real-life learning experiences for the participants.
The BIEEC STEM-tacular Girls Program promises to ignite a passion for STEM among young women, fostering innovation and leadership for a sustainable future in Queensland and beyond.