Celebrating Science Week Science Careers
under the Microscope
Twelve WestMAC students share their reflections
Celebrating Science at WestMAC –National Science Week
At West Moreton Anglican College, Science is more than a subjectit’s a launchpad for the future. Many of our alumni have taken the curiosity, skills, and knowledge developed here to build outstanding careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Their work spans health sciences, environmental sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and even the space industry, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.
This National Science Week, we celebrate the achievements of these talented individuals. Through their stories, you’ll see how WestMAC’s programs, state-of-the-art facilities, diverse resources, and dedicated teaching staff provide the strong foundations for success. These profiles showcase not only the depth of talent within our college community but also the pathways that STEM can open for students.
Whether their careers keep them grounded here on Earth or contribute to humanity’s reach into space, our alumni demonstrate what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. We hope their journeys inspire the next generation of WestMAC students to dream big, aim high, and explore the endless possibilities that Science has to offer.
Brittany Barrett Class of 2016
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I obtained a Bachelor of Environmental Science with a major in Ecology and Conservation from Griffith University in 2022. I love the varied opportunities of environmental science; no two days are the same. It’s my job to order, plant, and tend native and endemic species around the centre, as well as care for our three captive reptiles. I am also fortunate enough to be an instructor on some of the centre’s off-site camps. These include hiking and camping at both Carnarvon Gorge and the Bunya Mountains, and undertaking canoeing expeditions from as far East as Noosa Everglades, and as far West as Dirranbandi. Through my role, I have obtained my High Ropes certificate and am currently working on a Cert III in Outdoor Education, that will also see me obtain canoeing and bushwalking accreditations.
I am thrilled that I have a job that allows me to explore and immerse myself in the natural world!
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
I have always had a love for science and gaining knowledge. My love for science was definitely fostered during my time at WestMAC, especially through studying Biology from year 10 to year 12. However, my passion and calling for Environmental Science came after I worked on the Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program for 16 months, from 2018 – 2019. Through this time, I gained an understanding of the drivers behind Fire Ant’s success at colonization in Australia. This made me want to learn more about other animal and plant species and how they have adapted to survive, and at times thrive, in ecosystems.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
I was lucky enough to have four inspiring and passionate science teachers during my time at WestMAC. Each one bringing their own expertise and enthusiasm to each lesson. In year 8, Mr McKean laid the foundations of scientific knowledge through exciting and interactive labs and research. My foundations were further built upon in year 9 by Mrs Burt, and we started to explore the different realms of science. By year 10, with Mrs Evans, I had found my passion in Biology and knew this branch of science had piqued my interest and hunger for knowledge. This hunger was further refined in year 11 and 12 Biology with Ms. Parkes. I vividly remember our camp to Rocky Point in year 12, which seriously had me considering a career as a Marine Biologist! The knowledge and skills learnt in conducting transect surveys during that camp, served me well during my final university research project. In which, my group and I conducted a total of 28, 100m long by 50m wide transect surveys! The education and experiences I had as a WestMAC science student, fostered my passion for Environmental Science, and definitely put me on the path to where I am today.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
My biggest piece of advice for aspiring STEM students is to pursue their passions. If they aren’t sure exactly which branch or subbranch of STEM they are truly passionate about, try different things. Internships and work experience are such an underutilized resource. Many people and companies in the STEM field relish the opportunity to have interns, because most of them just want to share knowledge and ideas, and gain new perspectives. Learning, is a lifelong journey and there are many options along the way. For example, I will be starting a Turn to Teach program in the new year to become a high school Science teacher.
Daniella Scalia Class of 2018
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I obtained a Bachelor of Environmental Science with I recently graduated from a Bachelor of Business (Management) and Engineering (Honours) (Civil) at QUT, and I’ve since started working as a graduate civil engineer. I’m currently part of a field-based team that works to maintain civil structures.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
My time at WestMAC gave me the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, which helped me discover my passion for science early on.
What I really enjoy about my career is that every day brings new challenges to solve. I love the problem-solving aspect of engineering, working to figure out how and why things happen, and creating effective solutions. I also really love the opportunity to get hands-on experience out in the field, investigating problems, watching our solutions be implemented and seeing the direct impact of our work. Plus, no two days are the same - there’s always something new and interesting to tackle.
That exposure allowed me to understand what areas interested me and guided me toward a career in STEM. It was experiences I had in my physics classes - participating in experiments, working on projects and problem solving - that made me consider civil engineering.
WestMAC also supported my passion for science beyond the classroom. I was fortunate to participate in many opportunities including university STEM camps, science conventions, and interschool science competitions. These experiences helped me explore my options in the STEM field and hear from people already in the industry. They played a key role in shaping my decision to study engineering and prepared me well for university and beyond.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
At school, I always had a passion for maths and science, but I wanted a way to apply those skills in a practical and real-world career. Attending open days and career events introduced me to engineering, and I was immediately drawn to how it combines technical knowledge with tangible impact. The idea of being able to solve problems, work on large-scale projects, and contribute to the community through infrastructure really resonated with me. It felt like the perfect blend of challenge, creativity, and purpose.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
If you’re considering a career in engineering, science or any STEM field, my biggest advice is to stay curious and explore your options. STEM offers a huge range of career options - from design and research to fieldwork and innovation - so take the time to discover what excites you most.
Use your time at WestMAC to figure out what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie. Try different subjects, get involved in extracurricular events, and talk to people working in the field. These experiences will help give you a clearer idea of what path might suit you.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of practical experience. Attend university open days, ask questions, and look for opportunities to see STEM in action. Whether it’s through experiments, school projects, or extracurricular activities, hands-on learning is incredibly valuable and can help you understand what a career in STEM might look like for you.
Felix Meier Class of 2022
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I am currently studying a double degree in Mechatronics Engineering and Computer Science at QUT and am in my 3rd year out of 5. Mechatronics engineering is a field of engineering that involves integrating both mechanical and electrical subsystems. This is especially useful in fields such as automation and robotics.
My favourite part of studying this degree is that I get to learn a bit of everything and specialise in an area of interest to me (software development).
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
The STEM subjects I completed in Year 11/12 (Chemistry, Physics, Math Methods, Specialist Maths) set me up well for the engineering side of my degree especially. Taking Specialist Maths in high school meant I could skip a math subject in my first year of engineering, and instead I got to take another unit that focused on computationally simulating and solving math problems (very useful for engineering).
This degree combination is also very flexible –after I graduate, I should be able to find work in a variety of engineering areas or in software development.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
I’ve always been interested in science and technology – when I was in school, I enjoyed learning how to code and often got high marks in math and science subjects. I also got to attend a STEM summit that was held by QUT in Year 12 – this was a great opportunity to learn more about what studying at university would be like. I was originally considering studying Maths and Computer Science but chose to study Engineering as I had enjoyed the Arduino and electronics projects I had completed in subjects such as STEM at WestMAC.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
Don’t be afraid to try things out and go to different events – uni is so much more than just studying! I’ve made quite a few friends through joining clubs and working on campus. Some of the highlights of my degree have been attending events such as balls and industry nights, as well as joining QUT’s Dean’s Scholars program. Additionally, there’s a lot of cool projects that clubs work on at uni – for example QUT has a motorsport team that designs and builds a functioning racecar each year and races against other similar teams.
Lachlan Gough Class of 2022
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
I’m currently studying a double degree in Aerospace and Electrical Engineering, and Physics at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), with a strong focus on working with advanced sensing and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). I also hold leadership roles within QUT’s Aerospace Society (QUTAS), where I manage satellite electronics development and the UAS programs. What I enjoy most about this field is the way it brings together the theory that is learned in a classroom setting and the practical application of getting to then build these engineering solutions.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
WestMAC gave me a strong foundation in science, especially through subjects like physics and maths. The teachers encouraged me to think critically, ask questions, and explore topics in more depthall skills I now use every day in engineering. The supportive learning environment also helped me build confidence to take on bigger challenges and leadership roles in university.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
My fascination for STEM came from the question of “how.” It’s easy to take the technologies and systems around us for granted, but studying these subjects gives a new appreciation for the complexity and creativity behind them. Whether it’s how satellites communicate, how drones stay stable in flight, or how light can be used to measure microscopic changes, STEM helps explain the unseen mechanisms that power our world. That sense of discovery and understanding is what continues to drive
Start exploring your interests early and don’t be afraid to try new things. STEM is all about solving problems and being curious, so take part in projects, competitions, or clubs that let you apply what you learn. If something excites you, follow it - even if it seems hard or different. That passion will help you go far, and WestMAC is a great place to start that journey.
Emma Robertson Class of 2022
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I study Mechatronics Engineering, which is a ‘jack of all trades’ type of engineering that focuses on electronics, coding, and physics. Through my classes, I have completed many hands-on projects such as designing and building circuit boards, and creating and coding small robots in teams. My favourite part of my degree has been getting to learn more physics and mathematics theory and see its real-world applications.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
I have always been passionate about STEM, and explored this throughout senior school in my chosen subjects and through Robotics Club in middle school. I always felt I would pursue a career in STEM, and in Year 12 I was further encouraged by Mr Thompson to study Engineering. His encouragement helped me take the plunge into Mechatronics, and I have been loving it ever since.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
Studying Physics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths in year 12 set me up really well to start my Engineering degree. Particularly Physics, which made one of my very first subjects in Engineering very easy as it was mostly revision for me. The Science department at WestMAC set me up well by developing my skills in writing scientific reports, conducting experiments with good practices, and problem-solving knowledge of Physics topics, which has helped me throughout my degree.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
Follow what you enjoy! I found my career by following my genuine passion for Physics towards Engineering. I encourage you to choose your senior subjects based on what you enjoy rather than what will give you the best ATAR scaling. Having diverse knowledge from school is an important tool towards whatever pathway you take, and you will never be sorry that you spent time learning something you love.
Engineering is a very diverse field, so I think that if you are interested in STEM pathways, it can be a great choice to study. Remember that you don’t need to have everything figured out about your after-school pathway right now, and university is more flexible than you think in terms of changing your degree.
Katelyn Gough Class of 2014
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
I am a microbiologist - I work with infectious bacteria, viruses, and parasites to study how they cause diseases in humans. My PhD investigated the gut microbiome in individuals with diabetes, and I now work as a scientist with Queensland Health and I manage the Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases laboratory. My favourite part of my job is helping to improve how we diagnose infectious diseases to ensure patients receive timely and targeted treatment when they need it most.
My science education at WestMAC laid the foundation for my career in STEMM. For example, I was lucky enough to be part of the WestMAC team that went to the Shizuoka science competition in 2013; an experience that prepared me for science conferences that I now go to as part of my job.
A pathway in STEMM is an accumulation of all your skills and education-whether it’s the problem solving skills you learn in maths, the communication skills you develop in English, or the formulas you learn in science; everything you learn will help prepare you for the next step.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
The moment I first knew I wanted to study infectious diseases was doing an essay on Japanese encephalitis virus in Year 11 Biology with Mr Butler. I remember being fascinated by the relationship between people and pathogens, and I am now lucky enough to get to work with infectious diseases like that every day.
On my journey through school, into research, and now in my career, I have also been fortunate to have a lot of strong women who have been role models to me as a woman in STEMM. Seeing my future self represented through them inspired me to get to where I am today.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
1. Find mentors who care about you, your career development, and personal growth. A career in STEMM can have its hurdles, so make sure you surround yourself with a supportive community that shares your passions.
1. Find mentors who care about you, your career development, and personal growth. A career in STEMM can have its hurdles, so make sure you surround yourself with a supportive community that shares your passions.
2. There is a lot of pressure to decide and commit to an area of study when you leave high school, but it is okay if you don’t know where you want to go. STEMM is a rapidly evolving field, so your future career may not even exist yet!
2. There is a lot of pressure to decide and commit to an area of study when you leave high school, but it is okay if you don’t know where you want to go. STEMM is a rapidly evolving field, so your future career may not even exist yet!
3. Expose yourself to as many opportunities as you can, and you will find that you gravitate towards certain areas. Be curious and never stop asking questions.
3. Expose yourself to as many opportunities as you can, and you will find that you gravitate towards certain areas.
4. Be curious and never stop asking questions.
Kieran Wagstaff Class of 2018
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it. I work in the Space industry, focussing on executive and project management, and technology and team development. I’m involved in spacecraft systems, satellite technology, and innovation-led programs.
The most rewarding part is solving Real-World problems that improve life on Earth, while contributing to humanity’s future beyond it.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
The unknown doesn’t scare me, it inspires me. I’m drawn to what lies beyond, maybe because it’s alien, but definitely because it’s part of our shared story. I believe we have a moral duty not to remain bound to one world. Earth will outlive us! but what’s truly at stake is whether we grow beyond our mistakes, sustainably and together.
I think Earth isn’t our grave, it’s our cradle. We explore not just to survive, but because there’s hope, meaning, and the possibility of something better. So, existential dread inspired me to pursue STEM.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
WestMAC’s combination of subjects: English, Maths B and C, Physics, Chemistry, and Cert II in Engineering Pathways, gave me a strong and broad foundation. It offered the freedom to explore different directions early, and taught me to think critically, build practically, solve problems, and take initiative.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
“Become an expert in Teamwork”. You won’t reach the Moon or Mars alone. Success in STEM comes from learning how to work in diverse teams. Additionally, seek out rooms and groups where you feel out of your depth, and don’t leave! Stay, listen, and grow. That’s where you belong. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Doné Edwards Class of 2014
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I’m currently working as an Engineer in the Bridges and Structures team. I studied Civil engineering at Uni and completed/focused my studies around the structural courses. I love that I can design bridges and structures that we drive over/past and I can say I designed that or worked on solving certain issues.
One I’ve worked on that is a statement piece is the Breakfast Creek Green Bridge. Whilst I didn’t design it I was part of the CPS ( Construction phase support) and had to help solve construction issues. I find solving issues and driving past structures I’ve designed very rewarding. I can say it is standing up because of me.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
The staff at WestMAC were always encouraging me and had a real passion for their subjects they taught. Their passion/enthusiasm for physics/ maths and encouragement to students made me feel that I could pursue a career in STEM. I would not be where I am without the excellent education from the amazing teachers at WestMAC. They conveyed the importance of science and what a difference you could make.
My parents and teachers inspired me that I could do anything. They spoke about careers in STEM and how I could make a difference. I also used to watch mega construction shows which amazed and inspired me. I wanted to work on iconic structures that everyone knew.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
Don’t give up and keep working hard. Pursue the pathway if you have a passion for STEM. It is not an easy path and there are challenges along the way, but it is rewarding if it is something you love or the type of career that would inspire you.
Henry Bischoff Class of 2020
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
After WestMAC I went to UQ to study Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. As an undergraduate, I was able to gain experience in both the Mining and Aerospace industries. Now, as a graduate engineer in the energy sector, I contribute directly to critical projects that power Australia. Knowing that my work is having a real impact makes the role both meaningful and motivating.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
I think Mr Thompson, my Physics teacher in Grades 11 and 12, had a major impact. His friendliness and genuine enthusiasm for the complex concepts he was teaching reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in STEM.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
I think WestMAC’s close proximity to RAAF Base Amberley was a big motivation for me to go study engineering, it’s hard not to be inspired those Super Hornets.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
If you have questions about a university, course, job, anything: reach out to people that are where you want to be and ask. More often than not, they’re happy to share advice because they’ve been in your shoes before.
Samuel Jacobi Class of 2017
Describe your STEM career/area of study, and what you enjoy most about it.
I began my STEM journey studying mathematics and computer science, eventually majoring in statistics and data science. What I enjoy most about this field is the problem solving - it’s incredibly satisfying to tackle a tricky question and then realise others have developed clever techniques to solve it even better. Discovering those tricks and reapplying them to new challenges keeps things exciting. That love for problem solving naturally led me into software engineering, where you often use simple building blocks - like data structures and algorithmsto build complex systems that solve real-world problems. There’s always another layer to uncover, and that depth is what keeps me passionate about my work.
How did your science education and experiences at WestMAC help you get to where you are today?
WestMAC gave me a strong foundation in science and maths, but more than that, it gave me support and encouragement from teachers who were genuinely passionate about their subjects. That passion was contagious. I also appreciated the opportunities to go beyond the classroom - through STEM competitions and extra projectswhich really helped me stay engaged and push myself.
What inspired you to pursue a pathway in science or STEM?
I didn’t always know what I wanted to do after high school. STEM felt like the right place to start, partly because it was what I was best at, but also because it was what I loved most. That interest drove me to put in the time and effort to really explore it. I actually began studying mathematics and business management at university, but quickly realised business wasn’t for me. Some of my early mathematics courses crossed over with computer science, which sparked my curiosity - and switching into computer science was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Choosing broad fields like maths and computer science gave me time and space to figure out where I wanted to specialise, which made all the difference.
What advice would you give to current WestMAC students who are considering your career/a science or STEM pathway?
As cliched as it is, don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you fail - failure is one of the best ways to learn. And don’t underestimate the power of meeting people and making connections. Many of the best opportunities I’ve had came through people I knew. Keep exploring, stay curious, and back yourself.