• Two Charles Sturt students are participating in the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Women in STEM and Engineering (WISE) School
• The program involves a five-day educational program followed by an ongoing mentoring program throughout 2024
• First-year female  undergraduate students are eligible to participate

Two Charles Sturt University science students have been selected to participate in a nationally renowned mentorship program for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The annual Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Women in STEM and Engineering (WISE) School offers a selection of students from different universities across Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to participate in a five-day educational program, followed by a mentorship program.

First-year Bachelor of Science (Biology) student Miss Elizabeth Golsby and first-year Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry) student Miss Nicole McNamara took part in the WISE School program, held both online and in person, at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in December 2023.

Miss Elizabeth Golsby said the program was an invaluable networking opportunity.

“Not only did we meet and connect with a range of women leading STEM research and innovation, but we also met fellow students, many of whom are now new friends, from a range of scientific disciplines from all over Australia and New Zealand,” Miss Golsby said.

“Being a part of the WISE School gave us an opportunity to see ANSTO's facilities first-hand and network with mentors at the cutting edge of nuclear medicine, physics, environmental biology, chemistry, engineering and science communication.”

After completing the five-day educational program in December, students have now begun a mentoring program, connecting them with past WISE alumni and staff members from ANSTO and AINSE throughout 2024.

“We are both very much looking forward to being a part of the next step and maintaining connections with our mentors in 2024,” Miss Golsby said.

Fellow WISE School and Charles Sturt student Miss Nicole McNamara echoed this sentiment and said it was a privilege to be a part of the program.

“It was a fantastic event with many fabulous speakers and learning opportunities,” she said.

“I think it would be even more worthwhile for distance education students to participate in the future, as it provides incredible networking opportunities which will be invaluable to my career and goals ahead.”

Course Director in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Dr Celia Barril, who is an AINSE councillor at the University, said it was fantastic to see up-and-coming leaders in STEM learn from those excelling in the field.

“The annual WISE School program is the perfect opportunity for students interested in nuclear science and engineering to learn more about the broad range of careers, including research, in the field and to network with their peers from across Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Barril said.

“It’s also a great motivator for students to be able to hear from special guest speakers about their journeys to successful careers in STEM.”

Charles Sturt is a member of the AINSE, which facilitates collaborations between members, being primarily universities and ANSTO.

The WISE School is open to first-year female undergraduate students with an interest in nuclear science and engineering.

ENDS