04 Nov 2022
The Bionics Institute Girls in STEM Mentoring Program provides students with the unique opportunity to be mentored by leading female research scientists over a six-month period. Students learn how the Bionics Institute solves medical challenges with innovative technology and conduct research on relevant medical areas.
Three Loreto Toorak students were assigned a research mentor and project at the beginning of Term 2. Jemima and Clare (Year 10) focused on Parkinson’s Disease, while Khanh (Year 10) on Cochlear Implants. They first began by gathering information on a specific area with the aim of developing a literature review. Initially, the information was broad, eg hearing impairment, before progressing into more detailed information about a specific area, eg cochlear implants. Research mentors met with the students monthly to discuss summaries, give feedback, and answer questions.
“I loved the opportunity to participate in the Bionics Institute of Melbourne’s Girls in STEM Mentoring Program. I love science classes at school and learning more about the world around me, which I was also able to do in this program. I worked in a pair with Jemima and we shared a wonderful mentor, Wendy Adams, who taught us how to scientifically research and present our findings in a professional manner. We enjoyed learning about Parkinson’s Disease and the research that the Bionics Institute, among others, are doing to make new medical interventions to alleviate and cure symptoms of this disease.
One of the highlights of this program for me, apart from our monthly research meetings, was when we went on an excursion to the Bionics Institute to see the devices they use and develop there. We got to meet with engineers and researchers who were developing the latest technologies. Their presentations helped us make our research for our projects much more detailed. We also got to go to the Bionics Institute’s labs in St. Vincent’s Hospital. It was amazing to see the work that the scientists were doing here as it gave us an understanding of what being a professional scientist might look like. This program was wonderful to build on our academic skills as well as to help sway us into following a career in STEM, by creating an encouraging support network for us in high school.” Clare (10 Silver)
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Towards the end of the program, students were then introduced to their mentor’s specific area of research. Students created a presentation based on their work and presented in front of their parents and teachers. The program then culminated in a celebration event at the Melbourne Museum.
“I am so grateful that I was chosen to be part of the Bionics Institute Girls in STEM Mentorship Program. It was amazing getting to learn about solution being created using modern tech, and the ways a future career path in science may lead. I also loved getting to meet and work with inspirational women who are leading the way in innovation of their field.” Jemima (10 Blue)
“I have really enjoyed getting a glimpse into what happens at research institutes, as well as working with a woman in STEM and learning about things that I wouldn't get to do at school. I've had the best time working with the Bionics Institute and have really got an insight into what a career in STEM could look like!” Khanh (10 Silver)
