"The experience taught me so much that I find it difficult to condense. It has greatly assisted me in building confidence in myself and my skills, and I hope to study chemistry at university."
My name is Jillahkull McInnes, and I'm a proud Indigenous student from rural far north Queensland. I live in Mareeba on my mother's country - the Koko-Muluridji people.
Although there are fewer opportunities in the area compared to other cities, I remain passionate about STEM in various forms. I'm deeply interested in the arts (music and fashion history), but I also find it engaging to explore physics and how the two fields are connected.
Last year, I was extremely fortunate to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program, with support from the organisation and CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy (YIWSA). With this eight-day opportunity hosted by The University of Queensland, I, along with many others, was able to experience a wide variety of science and feel more confident tackling the final hurdle of Year 12. For me, a highlight was being able to speak to STEM professionals, such as the scientists at Forensic Science Queensland, and not only examine their career paths, but also the intricacies in their day-to-day work lives, and see the combination of STEM in their field. I greatly enjoyed learning about how they identified chemicals and interacted with other departments for criminal cases.
2025 NYSF Year 12 Program, Jillahkull participates in the Queensland Forensics Crime scene activity and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute workshop
Being Indigenous in STEM is quite dear to me. Not only have I been inspired by other Indigenous role models, both in the field and personally, but I also desire to support other Indigenous students and expand my own knowledge of STEM and its relationship to my culture.
Science, especially physics, exists everywhere – in our homes, society, but deep within my culture. In my tribal group’s songlines, star charts, and even in the projectile motion of the woomera.
Each opportunity provided for me and other students is brilliant, especially for students who might be the first in their family to pursue University, or where this support can finally break down the barriers of distance, support or lack of opportunity.
After NYSF, I was extremely fortunate to attend the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) in July, alongside my now-friend, Karlie Marriott. Looking back on it, I was most excited to hear Nobel Prize Laureate Sir David MacMillan give his talk on asymmetric organo-catalysis and have my first international experience. Indeed, it did not disappoint at all.
Over the 15-day program, we cycled through lectures about a range of STEM topics, held at many locations such as Oxford University and Imperial College. I pursued a lot of chemistry-based sessions, such as the synthesis of biofuels and the medical effects of psychedelics. Another fascinating lecture was given by Professor Michele Dougherty, the new Astronomer Royal, about the Cassini project.
Many of the individuals who gave us such inspiring talks had flown over just to educate us, which was not only poignant but empowering. They recognised the importance of education, especially in niche fields that can take people a lifetime to master.
Lastly, another aspect I adored about LIYSF was the multiculturalism and atmosphere. With 500 participants from 92 countries, I met students from all across the globe and exchanged knowledge, language and culture. Seeing other First Nations students was also very touching, as we could relate in many aspects. It was an incredibly accepting and educational environment, since we were all united by science and separated by distance.
And so, I would like to restate my intense gratitude towards all who've supported me on my educational journey, in school, across Australia, and now overseas. The experience taught me so much that I find it difficult to condense. It has greatly assisted me in building confidence in myself and my skills, and I hope to study chemistry at university.
Thank you to NYSF for your generous scholarship, and thank you tremendously to the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy (YIWSA) for supporting my travel overseas. So many people lent me their advice, patience and faith, and I cannot be more thankful. Without their incredible kindness, not only would it have been much harder to follow through with these opportunities, but engaging with them in the first place would’ve felt impossible.
Thank you.