In what is a BSSC record, four students have been accepted for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) to be held in Canberra in January 2018.
Sophie Keating, Emily Mannix, Yasin Mojtahedinyazdi and Xiaoyan (Yan) Wang will join students from around Australia for 12 days of workshops, lectures, lab visits, and group activities that improve communication and presentation skills.
Both Yasin and Yan are part of BSSC’s International Student Program.
The National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“I think it’s an opportunity to see how science is being used in the world,” said Yan who is hoping to study medicine or biochemistry.
Sophie, who wants to become a dietician, is “looking forward to the breadth of the experiences at the forum.”
Meanwhile Emily is hoping NYSF will sharpen her clarity about her interest in a profession in the medical field. “I’m thinking either medicine or optometry, so I selected the medical field for my option.”
Yasin, who has already participated in a stem-cell and regenerative medicine program in Iran, hopes to study medicine and go into stem cell research. “I’m looking forward to being with a community of people who are passionate about science,” he said.
In Bendigo, the combined Rotary clubs work with senior colleges to assist students to apply for this amazing 12-day experience.
Youth Director for the Rotary Clubs of Bendigo, Lynne Cooper, explained that local Rotary clubs provide significant funding to enable students to attend.
“This year we are excited to learn that six Bendigo students have been successful—four from Bendigo Senior Secondary College and two from Catholic College Bendigo,” she said. “All of them will receive a terrific career and personal ‘boost’.”
