Harry Stolzenhain (Year 11 Bronze) and Ethan Cornish (Year 11 Jade) attended the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) orientation program at CSL (Commonwealth Serum Laboratories) in Parkville on Saturday 8 September. Both boys have been selected from 1300 applicants to participate in the forums to be held in Canberra and Brisbane in January 2019. Rotary is a founding partner of the program and continues to support students, with Ethan being supported by the Lilydale club and Harry receiving assistance from the Maroondah club.
The 12-day residential program aims to encourage young people in their passion for science and to expose them to the wide variety of options available in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. At the same time, students meet people of their own age from around Australia and overseas who share their passion and they get to experience being part of university life. They are encouraged to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
At the orientation program, the 40 students introduced themselves outlining the subjects they are studying and their areas of interest. Past alumni of the program, acting as the new leaders, gave information as to the structure of the upcoming camp and an insight into their own experience at the NYSF. They also heard from a practicing scientist working at CSL about his journey in science to reach his current position.
We thank Merlin Sykes and Trish Condon from Rotary (pictured in the gallery below with myself and the students who attended), along with Harry and Ethan’s families. The boys are excited about their upcoming adventure and we look forward to hearing their stories on their return.
