“I distinctly remember the elation of meeting the other attendees on my floor and feeling instantly at home among people who shared and embraced my level of nerdiness, but who were also so much fun. It was so joyful!”
When Fiona Soper attended the NYSF Year 12 Program, she already knew science was her future, she just hadn’t worked out what that would look like yet.
“At 16, I was already passionate about science and knew it was what I wanted to pursue, but I still had no idea which field to go into,” she said.
“At the time I thought I would like microbiology (spoiler, I didn't) but even thought about pursuing physics! I didn't know many other people who were as passionate about science as I was.”
Fiona Soper attended the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2004
Today, Fiona is an Associate Professor (Biology and Environment) at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, leading her own research group and building a global career in environmental science.
She discovered NYSF through school or her ambassador role with the University of Queensland, while actively searching for opportunities to deepen her interest in science.
“I was always looking for opportunities to meet more scientists, or other people who loved science, be in a lab, learn more about different specialties, or just generally start building my career. NYSF was the perfect blend of all of those things!”
Fiona is a now an Associate Professor (Biology and Environment) at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Fiona was determined to attend, and with financial assistance, she was able to make it happen, something she remains proud to share as part of her journey.
While she initially expected a strong focus on research exposure, it was the sense of community that left the biggest impact.
“I think I went into it expecting primarily exposure to research, and not the community-building aspect so much. I stayed in touch with NYSF friends for years afterwards,” she said.
That feeling of connection was immediate.
“I distinctly remember the elation of meeting the other attendees on my floor and feeling instantly at home among people who shared and embraced my level of nerdiness, but who were also so much fun. It was so joyful!”
It’s a feeling that has stayed with her throughout her career and continues to shape how she leads today.
“I run a lab group today, and being able to nerd out and get excited about something alongside a group of people who have as much enthusiasm as you do is a big part of why I keep doing it! We don't have to hide it, and we have so much fun embracing it,” she said.
Some memories are just as vivid. Fiona still recalls visiting an electron microscope facility and capturing an image of a moth’s wing, as well as the lighter moments that made the experience unforgettable.
“We visited an electron microscope facility and got to use the microscope to take images- I took one of a moths wings with all the tiny scales clearly visible- and I was so thrilled that I got to take it with me. I kept it for years and was very sorry when I lost it in a move.”
“I also remember making biohazard outfits out of orange trash bags for a party- our whole group coordinated the outfits!– and having so much fun."
Fiona Soper (left) in her group biohazard bag costume
Looking back, Fiona encourages Year 11 students to take the leap.
“The worst case scenario is that you spend a couple of weeks with some interesting people from a variety of backgrounds, and get some exclusive access to scientists and facilities you would never see otherwise. The best case scenario is that you genuinely shape your life and career decisions and find a community of people you can interact with for the rest of your life.”
Although it may have been more than 20 years since Fiona’s experience attending the NYSF Year 12 Program, so many of the core things that she took away remain exactly the same.
From the friendships that will last far longer than you imagine, to the clarity participants find around what they might like to do and where they might like to go, the NYSF Year 12 Program is where STEM-curious students go to find their future.