National Youth Science Forum National Youth Science Forum“I grew up in Bendigo, Victoria and attended secondary school locally. I received a Co-op Scholarship to study mining engineering at the University of NSW and gained first class honours. I am now based in Sydney working with the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. The NYSF opened my eyes to the opportunities available through scientific training and an open-minded approach to life.”
— Ross Fox, NYSF 1994.
“As a student of the NYSF it was exemplified to me that the pursuit of excellence, not only in science, but in all endeavours was a lifelong quest. This view has enhanced my personal development as it encourages me to continually challenge my self-imposed boundaries.”
— Emma Jamieson, NYSF 1997.
“The people involved in science are professional, ambitious and driven. Attending the NYSF showed me that a career in science is incredibly rewarding, and gives you a chance to contribute to society. Good scientists need to be excellent communicators, and participating in a range in activities helps develop those skills. The NYSF was the catalyst that showed me what opportunities lay out there. Challenge yourself to look outside the square, and do what it is you want to do.”
— Matt Wenham, NYSF 1998.
“The NYSF has fostered my passon for science and exposed me to the opportinities available for scholarships and courses at university; especially those offered in other states. This, coupled with a confidence and courage gained at the NYSF led me to make positive, informed career decisions.”
— Simon Angus, NYSF 1997.
“At the NYSF you meet 160 like-minded people who share your passion and questions about the future — and your part in it. NYSF gave me a focus for my university career; it gave me an understanding of my role in Australia’s future; it gave me networks and life-long friendships; but most of all it gave me confidence — confidence to believe in myself and create my own future.”
— Jason Ashurst, NYSF 1988.
“I grew up in a small town. The NYSF (then the NSSS) brought me into contact with students from across the country with similar interests and goals but from diverse backgrounds. It was an eye opening experience and I have never looked back. Since then I have travelled extensively, both for work and for pleasure, and I continue to meet interesting and challenging people who broaden my horizons.”
— Rachael Oliphant, NYSF 1986.
“While some careers are easy to learn about, the diversity of science demands that you meet and question many scientists and engineers to learn of its unique opportunities and rewards. At the NYSF, I got to meet exciting people from Australia’s science community while making many new friends with students wondering about the same things I was.”
— Gilman Toombes, NYSF 1994.
“The NYSF has been a pivotal point in my life. It has changed the way I think about my career as well as the relationships I have with other people. I was assured that what I wanted to do was right for me, while the options available were presented to me in a way that spread the world before me.”
— David Snowdon, NYSF 1998.
“NYSF is a network of people who you continue to meet throughout your life. Just mentioning you attended NYSF opens up oppurtunities for new acquaintices. I have made many great friends with people who have attended other sessions of the NYSF”
— Anne Sulivan, NYSF 1998.
Murray Height was born and raised in Newcastle NSW and completed his undergraduate education at The University of Newcastle. Murray completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with first class honours and University Medal in 1998 along with a Bachelor of Mathematics. Deciding to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, he successfully applied for a Fulbright Scholarship and soon after departed for Boston in the USA to begin graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Murray’s research looks at how flames can be used to produce carbon nanotubes, a remarkable material with a wide variety of uses ranging from reinforcing composites to hydrogen storage.
Murray attended the NYSF in January 1993 and was on staff in 1994 and 1995. His current email address is mjheight@mit.edu.
Matt Wenham grew up in Adelaide’s southern suburbs and completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide in 2001. He worked as a Research Assistant at Flinders University studying the use of embryonic stem cells to treat corneal diseases, before returning to Adelaide to complete his Honours degree on the same topic. After graduation, Matt moved to Melbourne and took up a position at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, in addition to tutoring biomedical science at Queen’s College. In 2005, Matt was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford, where he is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, on the cell biology of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. He also holds a Graduate Diploma of Education.
Matt is a previous chair of the Ministerial Council of Young South Australians, and was involved in the youth affairs sector for many years. In 2001 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to youth affairs. His interests include singing and soccer refereeing, and he is engaged to Sarah, a doctor.
Matt attended the NYSF in 1998, and was on staff in 1999 and 2000. His current email address is matt.wenham@path.ox.ac.uk.
Rachael Oliphant came from Rosebud in Victoria and went to the University of Melbourne where she completed a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours in History. Following this she travelled to the UK, where she worked for a period at the Royal College of Surgeons of England assisting with the development of courses in keyhole surgery. She then returned to Australia and completed a Master of Arts in Public History whilst at the same time working at Melbourne University in general administration. Following the completion of the masters degree she travelled to Oxford where she was accepted to do a doctorate in History. Her plans changed, however, and she took a position for 12 months working for an educational charity in Oxford and then later worked for two years in Oxford University’s Development Office as a Development Executive. After the three years away Rachael returned to Australia. She now works at Adelaide University as the Director, Alumni, Community Relations and Development.
Rachael attended the NYSF (then the NSSS) in 1986. Her current email address is rachael.oliphant@adelaide.edu.au.
Dr Jason Ashurst (nee Mein) grew up in Bega and went to ANU where he completed a science degree with first class honours. Succeeding this he completed a PhD at ANU in Nuclear Physics — on the fusion of heavy-ions and their fission dynamics. A career change saw Jason join the Australian Public Service to work for the Australian Government Departments of Industry and then Communications, where he is building on his science skills to help manage Australia’s involvement in international telecommunications markets. Jason changed his surname (from Mein) on the birth of his son, Maxwell Ashurst, who will be attending the Forum in 2018.
Jason attended the NYSF in January 1988 and was on staff in 1989, 1990 and 1991. His current email address is jasonashurst@yahoo.com.au.
Raised in Brisbane, Gilman Toombes studied physics at the University of Queensland and worked as a tutor for the Australian Physics Olympiad. Encouraged by mentors to broaden his experience, in 1998 he departed for Cornell University in the United States to start a PhD. During his first year of study Gil visited many laboratories and eventually settled in experimental biophysics. At present he is having great fun working on a project in collaboration with researchers at the Weill Medical College.
Gil attended NYSF in January 1994. His current email address is get1@cornell.edu and his website is bigbro.biophys.cornell.edu/~toombes. Gil is eager to speak to anyone considering overseas study.
Spencer Toombes was born in Charleville Queensland, but did most of his growing up in Brisbane. He studied medicine at UQ and graduated in 1995 with honours. During his time at university, he was the inaugural president of the Young Scientists of Australia, Brisbane chapter. He was fascinated by science education and initiated a program of science circus performances for primary and secondary schools which continues to be a major part of YSA Brisbane’s activities. He is pursuing qualification as a specialist physician and is currently an advanced training registrar at Townsville Hospital. He continues to teach medical students and junior doctors.
Spencer attended the then NSSS in 1989, and returned on staff in 1990. His current email address is toombess@ozemail.com.au. He isn’t important enough to have a website to himself, and recommends that for a laugh you don’t visit www.health.qld.gov.au.
David Atkins was born in Sydney, and attended The Australian National University (ANU) after a year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Japan.
He completed a science degree with majors in chemistry and Japanese in 1991, and obtained first class honours in 1992 in Physical Chemistry with Professor Ric Pashley, studying heterogeneous surface force measurement with the atomic force microscope.
Following his honours degree, David undertook doctoral studies in the Department of Applied Mathematics (Institute of Advanced Studies) at the ANU working on nanometric colloidal silica using the Surface Forces Apparatus.
During his doctoral studies, David was elected the President of the ANU Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association, and was a member of the Council of the ANU (1994-5). He was also a summer fellow at the Himeji Institute of Technology, Japan (1995), and a member of the Australian Delegation for the Asia-Pacific Youth Forum in Japan (1996).
Upon completion of his thesis, David began working with Singapore Airlines in Singapore, as a member of senior staff. He has had postings in Market Planning and Alliances, and is now the Staff Assistant to the Deputy Chairman and CEO of Singapore Airlines.
David attended the CRA National Science Summer School (as it was known then) in January 1987 and was on staff in 1989 and 1990. He was Deputy Team Leader for the Australian team for the International Chemistry Olympiad in 1991 (Lodz, Poland) and lectured at the International Chemistry Olympiad training school for a number of years.
David’s current email address is chin_atkins@hotmail.com. David is married with two children. Although qualified in three martial arts, he is a dedicated pacifist. Although he does not have a website, David is a worker training for the knowledge-based economy.
In 1997 Emma Jamieson completed her schooling and embarked on a career in science. She has proved that a university degree is as flexible as you want it to be whilst studying for a Bachelor of Science (Plant Biotechnology) at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. As the first student of this degree Emma restructured the course to include subjects from all areas of science, especially agriculture and viticulture. After working with Southcorp Wines over the 2001 vintage and then with the MIA Vine Improvement Society, Emma now holds the position of “Industry Development Officer” with the Wine Grapes Marketing Board in Griffith, NSW.
Emma attended the NYSF in January 1997, returning as a staff member in 1998 and 1999, then as a Rotary “Big Sister” in 2000. Her current email address is ejamieson@wgmb.net.au.
Brad came from Springsure in Central Queensland and completed his high school studies at The Brisbane Boys’ College. He obtained a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from The University of Queensland, spending his final year as an exchange student at The University of Nottingham in the UK.
He also obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from The University of Queensland, investigating polymer composite membranes for the direct methanol fuel cell. During his PhD he also spent periods at Imperial College, London and GKSS, Geesthacht, Germany.
Brad is currently employed by the Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique, France, as a postdoctoral researcher. He enjoys running, cycling and backpacking.
Brad attended the NYSF in 1997 and was on staff in 1998. His current email address is b_p_ladewig@hotmail.com.
Ross completed his secondary education at Catholic College Bendigo, Victoria in 1994, attending the NSSS as a student in the same year. During Year 12 he represented Australia at the London International Youth Science Forum, and subsequently returned to the NYSF as a staff member. He obtained a first class honours degree in Mining Engineering between 1995 and 1998 while on a Co-op Scholarship at the University of NSW. Ross resided in New College at the University of NSW for the duration of his degree, serving as college President in his second year and as a residential tutor during his third and fourth years. He began work with McKinsey & Company, a global management-consulting firm as a business analyst in March 1999. His interests include reading, performing arts, basketball, politics, social justice and sustainable development.
After attending the NSSS in 1993 Rado realised that there was much more out there… much, much more. Coming from a small town in Tasmania, New Norfolk, the move to Canberra in 1994 was an important decision that expanded Rado’s options and, indeed, outlook.
In 1993 Rado was a joint recipient of the Caltex Best All Rounder at Claremont College for his academic and sporting achievements and contribution to college activities in his year 12.
The four year Bachelor of Science degree at The Australian National University (ANU), from 1993 to 1997, led to several interesting projects and opportunities. Over the summer of 1996-1997 Rado participated in a vacation scholarship programme with the CRC for Catchment Hydrolgy, a far cry from the pure physics and maths of university study. In his honours year, 1997, Rado was awarded the “A.L. Hales Honours Year Scholarship in Geophysics and Geochemistry” for study jointly with the seismology group at the Research School of Earth Sciences and Department of Mathematics, both at the ANU, and subsequently graduated with First Class Honours in Mathematics. He recently completed a PhD with the Aerospace and Laser Diagnostic Research Laboratory at the ANU, a project investigating suitable tomographic inversion techniques for data collected from the ANU’s shock tunnel facilities. His future research ambitions revolve around using wavelets to further improve the tomographic process, and indeed many other post-experimental methods.
In the first year of his PhD, 1998, Rado was an invited speaker at Claremont College’s inaugural awards presentation night in Hobart.
During his studies Rado has been a resident science tutor at Bruce Hall as well as a university subject tutor in mathematics. Since early 2000 he has been involved in the expansion of his own i-commerce business, which is rewarding is many ways. He also consults in webpage design, and digital resource management — much of the work on the NYSF website has had major input from Rado. He is a team member at the secretariat of the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology cooperation (FEAST).
Rado’s personal interests include playing and listening to music, watching films, walking the suburbs on a nice sunny day, and helping others excel.
Click here to go to Rado’s webpage.
David Stenbeck was born in Thames, New Zealand and studied at The University of Western Australia where he completed a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering with first class honours. Declining to pursue a PhD overseas in Limnology, he instead worked at the Centre for Water Research developing commercial models for solar salt production. David then took up a position with Accenture, the world largest IT and business consulting firm. Where he was heavily involved in developing eCommerce solutions, business management and teaching at the School of Professional development in Chicago, USA. Proof once again that severe obstacles can be surmounted in the pursuit of excellence, David had to overcome a learning disability earlier in his schooling and only started to read, write and properly speak from age of ten.
David attended the NYSF in January 1993 and was on staff in 1994. His current email address is david_stenbeck@hotmail.com.