As part of the 2024 NYSF STEM Hub in Sydney/Newcastle, participants spent a day at UNSW! Read on for a recap of the day from UNSW.
On Thursday July 18th, the UNSW Sydney invited the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 students to an exclusive UNSW Science Day. This event was a unique opportunity for young students to immerse themselves in the life of a science student at UNSW. The day was an exciting blend of hands-on, laboratory experiments, and learning, igniting the students’ curiosity and passion for science.
The morning commenced with a welcome from Ellen Brown, our Faculty Partner, setting the stage for a memorable keynote address by the renowned Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla. An acclaimed materials scientist, engineer, and innovator, Professor Sahajwalla is celebrated for her groundbreaking research in waste transformation. Veena was the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year and has been influential in her role as the founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology at UNSW Sydney. Her keynote delved into sustainability, material science, and engineering, spotlighting her team’s work on the Plastic and Waste Materials project, which delves into the the evolving circular economy of waste products.
The afternoon was full of discovery, with students selecting from three diverse workshops that resonated with their scientific interest. The offerings spanned many of UNSW Science’s STEM disciplines:
- Aviation: Students engaged in a workshop, navigating the development and preparation of Pilot
Navigation computers. - Biomedical Science: A deep dive into the Human-Human interface, exploring the mysteries of
muscle contractions and their electrical impulses. - Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science: An exploration into nutrition and health, uncovering
the secrets that fuel our bodies. - Material Science and Engineering: A captivating session which allowed students to explore
how materials and their structures can be alerted through the magic of liquid nitrogen. - Psychology: An insightful look into how the impact of technology shapes our psychological
landscape.
The day ended in a dynamic ‘speed meet’ event hosted by NYSF, where engaging conversations were had between the students and a range of STEM professionals. For those looking to learn more about UNSW Science and the opportunities available at UNSW Sydney, we invite you to our Open Day on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. Register here.
