Inside the National Youth Science Forum: Bridie's Journey of Discovery and Connection in STEM

My name is Bridie, I’m a Year 12 student who has recently joined the alumni of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). For those who don’t know, the NYSF is a

prestigious program connecting students across Australia with a passion for STEM.‌ The program provided the most memorable and enlightening experience, with lectures from academic professors, scientific researchers, and esteemed entrepreneurs within the STEM communication and research industry.

As a 2024 participant, I can truly say the program has been a predominant highlight throughout my high school experience. I developed close connections to many fellow participants.

Day 1 was filled with information necessary to understanding our daily routines for the next nine action-packed days and tips on navigating campus. The UQ campus hosted a competitive scavenger hunt, which was an awesome opportunity to bond with floor group members and meet other groups.  

Day 2 and 3 was where the majority of our guest speakers and a panel of STEM communications took place. The Q&A and debate were presented in the lecture hall of UQ’s St Lucia Campus. Discussions were held surrounding how science was communicated to the public, what roles were necessary and the many aspects that were taken into consideration when addressing the scientific facts for global education. The debate swayed the opinions in the room and left us all feeling inspired by the important and admirable role of those within the STEM communication sector.

Day 4: My constellation group members and I explored STEM with a focus on technology and robotics and visited Universal Field of Robotics. The team was awesome in explaining all the incredible work they do and the effort they put into creating reliable modifications to CATERPILLAR machinery. The group then continued our journey to Cyber security, where we showed our skill in simulations designed for us to save people's personal information and protect website. Our session welcomed three guest student speakers studying at the University where they took us through their experience within their current PhD and Master’s course in Technology and Cyber Security.

Day 5 was Career Day; an eye-opening experience! If I believed my career options in STEM were endless, I surely believe it now! It helped us establish networking connections across so many niche industries, sparking many questions and interested participants.  

Day 6 was incredibly engaging. I found myself continuously submerged in the hands-on activities at QUT’s Smart Devices workshop. The facilities at QUT’s Gardens Point

Campus were incredible! The resources were so interactive and the lecturer was passionate and insightful, teaching us about the hardware and software explored in QUT, preparation and design of smart devices. The workshop consisted of coding and rendering commands to create a smart light operated through the internet. After a filling lunch, my constellation group travelled to a TAFE campus and unboxed the Meta Quest 3, XR headsets. We discussed the further implications of the virtual reality software along with the moral ethics behind the implementation of virtual reality in the home and workplace.

Specialist lecturers presented on Day 7. I decided to attend a lecture in astrophysics and mathematics, The James Webb Telescope. During the lecture we were the first of the general public to witness the unpublished photographs taken of the Carina Nebula, the PSD 70, and their collision.

Afterwards I attended the lecture concerning the Marine Sensory Ecology Group. The lecturer specialised on reef fish, specifically Clownfish, and how their vision differs from deep sea fish as they contain ultraviolet sensors within their retinas. After the lecture, we were passing around samples and I was asking the lecturer more about her work; from there she offered to give me a private tour of her research lab. I was so surprised I could take advantage of an opportunity this interesting! The experience was incredible and I experienced firsthand what opportunities arise when you engage yourself.

On Day 8 we collaborated and were mentored by BOP industry, discussing the ethics behind implementing technology and methods of engineering sustainable cities and suburbs, exploring both sustainable and technological solutions. The STEM disco was held that night and we dressed up to celebrate our incredible week of experiences and memories made. I met and collaborated with so many fantastic Year 12 students from across Australia and developed my networking with ambitious and like-minded individuals.

My biggest take-away the NYSF taught me, is that I have the time to figure myself out. All week I heard personal stories from guest speakers and lecturers that passed on that message. They expressed if you give yourself time to find your interests and passions, the right opportunities will come along, and all the dedicated efforts become evident. The NYSF has become an experience that I will always recall enthusiastically with fondness. I had an incredibly unique experience and loved every moment! 

I do encourage girls with an interest in STEM to hand in an application because the experience does cater to such niche industries in science. my experience did have a focus on environmental science and technology, however there is truly something for everyone.

Bridie Matthews

Year 12 Student