St Aloysius does it again! Students rub shoulders with the very best at the National Youth Science Forum, Canberra 2024

St Aloysius does it again! Students rub shoulders with the very best at the National Youth Science Forum, Canberra 2024

St Aloysius College takes immense pride to announce the achievements of two outstanding Year 12 students in the field of Science: Amelia Carmen and Sophie Monis, who participated in the Australian National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) held in Canberra. This forum, a revered and coveted opportunity, is tailored for very talented Australian Year 11 students passionate about science, as they transition into Year 12. It is a national event, so our students’ participation is highly regarded. 

For those who may not yet be familiar, the NYSF is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring young, scientifically inclined Australians to become the future leaders in science and engineering. The program offers a remarkable opportunity for selected students to partake in a 14-day residential camp at The Australian National University in Canberra. Endorsed by the Chief Scientist of Australia and supported by various governmental bodies, major industries, national research institutes, and universities, this nonprofit initiative provides avenues for partial sponsorship through local Rotary clubs for interested students.

Participants benefit from exposure to real research and interaction with leading researchers, facilitating exploration of potential career paths in science, engineering, and technology. Beyond academic enrichment, the 14-day program fosters the development of communication and interpersonal skills. Many former students of St. Aloysius College attest to the profound impact of the NYSF, citing the invaluable network of lifelong friendships, professional connections, and support systems established throughout Australia. Equipped with enhanced confidence, they always return to Adelaide with a true belief in their capacity to embark on STEM based fields.

St Aloysius College remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering young women to pursue careers in science. The robust science education provided by the dedicated and committed faculty lays a solid foundation, facilitating seamless transition into tertiary studies and future career paths in science-related fields. In support of this mission, the College is committed to encourage and support our bright science sparks and often generously extends financial sponsorship to supplement contributions from local Rotary clubs and families.

For further discussions regarding your daughter’s scientific aspirations, we encourage you to engage with any of our Senior Science Teachers or Linda Kitto, our Science Coordinator, at the College. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Amelia and Sophie. Your achievements bring great pride and recognition to the College.

Mr Paolo Arman
Science Teacher

“I was fortunate enough to be selected as a participant in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), a nation-wide STEM camp based in the ACT. During the camp I was placed in a Computer Science & Robotics group. It was an amazing experience that I would strongly recommend to anyone considering a career in STEM. 

Despite the incredible STEM visits, speakers and sessions, the best part of NYSF is arguably the people. The feeling of being surrounded by fellow STEM-heads is indescribable; people also consumed with a passion for all things science. I’ve made so many life-long connections, and the experience has opened my eyes to countless new possibilities. So if you’re considering a career in STEM then the NYSF is for you!” – Amelia Carmen

“During my time in Canberra, my assigned group, named “Constellation,” participated in a variety of exciting STEM activities. These included attending the Air Force drone racing workshop, engaging in a cryptography session, visiting the Mt Stromlo Observatory, exploring the ANU Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Applications, participating in a live cross with CERN situated on the border of France and Switzerland and experiencing the ANU rocketry program. Additionally, I had the opportunity to converse with numerous experts in their respective STEM fields.

The visit to Mt Stromlo Observatory was really cool. We saw a replica of the famous Australian Physicist Brian Schmidt’s Nobel prize for his discovery of dark energy. As was seeing highly advanced Wombat XL, which is essentially a space simulator that simulates extreme temperatures, vacuum and radiations of space. We spoke with a PhD student and learnt about the magnetic field of galaxies and other celestial bodies in our universe which I found really fascinating.” – Sophie Monis 


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