CDU launches Science Mentor Program: nurturing the next generation of innovators in STEM fields

A new generation of thinkers and innovators will have the opportunity to participate in the second year of the Charles Darwin University (CDU) mentoring program, exploring the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines alongside real academic staff.

This week, students from Casuarina High School visited the science and technology facilities at the Casuarina campus to begin the real science projects of CDU and Inspired NT Phase 2. Graduate students will mentor students from Casuarina High School and Darwin High School, guiding them through their STEM-related projects over the next seven months, from planning and execution to presentation.

High school students will experience what it's like to study at university, learn about the university pathways open to them, and build confidence in themselves and their abilities. Graduate students can practice leadership and supervisory skills, time management, empathy, and flexibility through mentoring.

CDU PhD students Cedric Tan and Girum Gebremeskel Kanno

CDU PhD students Cedric Tan and Girum Gebremeskel Kanno are among this year's mentors, both eager to share their knowledge and personal academic journeys into the STEM field. Mr. Tan's research involves the development and testing of metals to reduce their damage in corrosive environments, while Mr. Kanno is exploring how to integrate artificial intelligence into the environmental life cycle assessment of medical plastic waste.

"I hope students realize that science doesn't have to be difficult," said Mr. Tan. "It's a very in-depth experience. It involves a lot of problem-solving and making sure you're engaged, but if you can find something you're passionate about, you'll gain a lot." Mr. Kanno added, "STEM can be for everyone, and it should be fun."

People might think science is hard, but as long as you're interested, you can easily challenge and solve complex problems. We live in a world full of environmental issues, and we need more people with different ways of solving problems.

Dr. Carla Eisemberg

Project coordinator and senior lecturer in CDU STEM pathways, Dr. Carla Eisemberg, hopes students will understand that science is a viable pathway. "It's a mistake to think you need to be an Einstein to pursue STEM," said Dr. Eisemberg. "We need people with everyday skills to become scientists and engineers because we need people with different ways of thinking. Without diversity, there is no innovation."

CDU student Jessie Duncan and PhD candidates Huifeng Wang and Cedric Tan

Jessie Duncan, a former student of Casuarina High School who participated in last year's program, is now pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Science at CDU. "This program showed me how many opportunities I have in this field, what I want to experience, and how deeply I can delve into it," she said. "No matter how much you know about science, it doesn't matter. You'll learn everything you need through practice, and it's very rewarding."

Gregg Barker, a teacher at Casuarina High School, said that last year's students were involved in various projects, such as using Microsoft Hololens mixed reality technology in STEM education, identifying the best environments for mushroom growth, and disassembling and rebuilding lawnmower engines. "Working with mentors outside the school provided students with new technical perspectives, helped them become more confident and professional communicators, developed their ICT skills using MS Teams, and enhanced their planning, problem-solving, and independent learning abilities," said Mr. Barker.