A dedication to science has rewarded two Noosa students with a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the subject through a full scholarship to the Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) at Sydney University.
Every two years the ISS gathers together 140 top science students from Australia and overseas (China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Thailand, the USA and the UK) for a two-week residential program of talks by world-renowned scientists, laboratory tours and hands-on activities.
The opportunity is open to top achieving students in Year 11 and 12 who are focused on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects and can clearly communicate their aspirations and reasons for wanting a place in this coveted program.
Cole Suter and James Donald, both in Year 11 at Good Shepherd Lutheran College, are the lucky recipients of the all-expenses paid experience which kicks off during the July school holidays.
Mr Matthew Armstrong, Head of Senior Years Studies at Good Shepherd said the College is exceptionally proud to have two students achieve a place in an international scholarship program.
“We are excited for the opportunities this could open for their futures in these amazing fields,” Mr Armstrong said.
The ISS 2019 program has an outstanding line-up of science role models, some of whom will be coming especially from overseas to speak.
“There is a great line up of guest speakers, all leading scientists in their fields, including astrophysicist Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, NASA Flight Director Matt Abbott, quantum tech guru Professor David Reilly — as well as speakers on nanoscience, climate change, genomics, and many other topics.”
The two students are equally overjoyed and ready to embrace all that the two weeks has to offer.
“What I look forward to the most is meeting many well-regarded scientists, professors and leaders of their respective fields, as well as the opportunity to be inspired by who they are and what they are doing with their abilities,” Cole said.
“I also look forward to meeting and building relationships with other scholarship recipients from around the world.”
James is also keen to network with other like-mind students from other countries and has a passion for science that he plans to utilise in his future career.
“When I heard about the opportunity that was the International Science School, I immediately knew that it was perfectly suited for me, and it would be an amazing opportunity to not only extend my knowledge in different areas in science, but to further grow my passion for the subject,” James said.
“I hope that by the end of the program, I am further inspired to pursue a career in science. I also hope to gain a new perspective and appreciation of the world of science.”
Good Shepherd Principal, Mr Anthony Dyer, is also keen to hear about all the students’ experience on their return.
“We hope that both students grasp this opportunity with both hands and enjoy both the educational and social aspects of the program and inspire other students to apply in 2021.”
