The University of NSW Canberra has held a summer school for women interested in learning about engineering.
The Young Women in Engineering (YoWIE) Summer School involved a three-day program in which participants experienced five different types of engineering and science activities across the disciplines of electrical, mechanical, aeronautical, space, chemical and civil engineering as well as some computer science.
Event Organiser, Kathryn Kasmarik said that with just 25 per cent of Australia’s engineers women, UNSW Canberra hoped the program would encourage high school girls to have a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“The university has held a summer school for Year 9 and 10 girls for three years running and we hope participants are inspired to continue learning about technology, engineering and mathematics as they reach their later years of education,” Associate Professor Kasmarik said.
“In the next year or two these girls will make vital decisions about which subjects to study, and it can have a major impact on their future. We want to show them the opportunities they could have if they follow the STEM path.”
She said this year’s workshops included satellite design, making slime, as well as robotics and electronic activities.
“The girls learned off some of the brightest minds in engineering, including Aerospace Engineer, Bianca Capra, who was recently named one of Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM,” Associate Professor Kasmarik said.
