STEM Forum

A STEM Forum, organised by the City of Salisbury, was presented to girls from nine NASSSA schools on Tuesday, 28 March, 2023. Speakers were Dr Sylvie Perreau, Chief of Sensors and Effectors Division, Defence Science Technology Group and Dr Lisa Bailey, senior Exhibition Manager, Museum of Discovery (MOD) UniSA.

The highly accomplished women spoke of being open to pursuing the many career opportunities in STEM and the need for diversity in this industry. Both encouraged the students to have confidence in their abilities and ideas; to work hard, face challenges and pursue their goals.

Student groups then visited organisations; BAE Systems, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Codan Limited, Topcon Positioning Systems and Saab Australia, learning about the broad career opportunities and pathways in STEM industries.

Emily, BAE Systems, spoke to students about their possible concerns at not being the best at some STEM subjects in school, and to consider studying subjects such as Art, to develop creative and problem solving skills, which can support future work in the STEM industry.

Penny Chancellor, Director, NASSSA commented: 'It was fantastic to see such a large group of young women come together to hear about, and explore, the myriad of opportunities that exist within the science and stem industries. In particular, it was challenging and insightful to hear that as Artificial Intelligence evolves (as the algorithms that sit behind it are written), we need women (and diversity) to participate in the process so that the messages we receive in community are balanced. There are powerful and exciting future opportunities available for our students, if they think outside of the box and are prepared to take up the challenge and look for problems in the world around them, that they might be able to help solve.'