SCIENCE WEEK K-12

Josh Clark | Rachel Noonan | Maria Emmi | Kylie Latham

National Science Week for 2021 was a celebration of all things STEM, with the theme of 'Food: Different by Design'. On our interactive CH@LK page we had a feast of interesting activities, with the highlight being an interview with food scientist and ex-student Rebecca Screnci (’13) (see next page).

We held a photo competition for staff and students with two categories: ‘The Natural World’ and ‘Food’. Staff and students alike posted their entries, with plenty of beautiful sunsets, flowers and delicious looking dishes. The Bake Off Challenge gave students the chance to explore the chemical reactions taking place in our kitchens every day. Our Science in Action page showcased some interesting examples of student work from their Student Research Projects.

Science Week in the Junior School was a lot of fun with critical thinking, problem solving, fantastic food creations and science experiments, culminating in the Mad Professors’ Friday assembly!

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SCIENCE WEEK

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STEM stars shine during Science Week!

Thank you to our Loreto Kirribilli ex-student STEM stars Dr Kate Samardzic ('10) and Pip O'Donnell ('03) who kindly sent our students some video updates on their fascinating careers in science. Also thanks to biotechnologist Rebecca Screnci (’13) for sharing her work on finding a sustainable alternative to farmed meat.

PIP O’DONNELL (Moorehead ’03)

As a student at Loreto Kirribilli, Pip O’Donnell says her favourite subject was Mathematics, with the Sciences a close second. Inspired by her scientist father, Pip studied Commerce/ Chemical Engineering at university, and has since worked in industry across Australia and overseas. Today, she works for Essential Energy, the electricity distribution network for New South Wales.

“Science and Maths is not just about exams and numbers, and the theory that you study at school. Science and Maths is all around us. Working in these big industries like mining and energy has made me appreciate that.

Don’t hesitate to embrace the Science and Maths options that come to you at school. It will open a ton of doors for you.

DR KATE SAMARDZIC (’10)

Dr Samardzic began her career in science volunteering for St John’s Ambulance while still a teenager at Loreto Kirribilli. After studying Medical Science at UTS, she completed a PhD focusing on environmental triggers of neurodegenerative disease. Today she works as a Postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University’s School of Medicine in the US.

During her video presentation to the young scientists of Loreto Kirribilli, Kate said, “My love for science came, not from a subject, but from a real passion for helping people. To me, a career in STEM has meant the opportunity to develop a new drug that will help millions of people worldwide.”

Pursue whatever it is you’re most passionate about.

REBECCA SCRENCI (’13)

At school, Rebecca Screnci was convinced she wanted to be a horse vet, until she did some work experience and realised it wasn’t for her. Instead she embarked on a flexible Science degree at UTS, and ended up majoring in Biotechnology. She did stem cell research for her Honours project, and after two years in pharmaceuticals, she joined the founding science team at Vow, a cultivated meat start-up company.

In her fascinating presentation to students about the future of food, Rebecca explained how cultivated meat addresses food security, wildlife conservation, ecological balance and sustainability. Her advice to aspiring young scientists?

Keep an open mind. Get work experience, and network!