• Two Charles Sturt students receive Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM scholarships
• The scholarships are offered to women and non-binary people by the Australian Academy of Technological Science
• Recipients from Charles Sturt are studying environmental science and management and engineering

Two Charles Sturt University students have been offered scholarships that aim to empower women and non-binary people pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Two undergraduate students have received the Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM scholarship through the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (ATSE).

The recipients from Charles Sturt are Ms Rebecca Selkirk (pictured), a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management student, and Ms Naomi Tatchell, a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) student.

Ms Selkirk is studying online and currently lives in Perth. She applied for the scholarship to empower underrepresented people to pursue careers in STEM and fight gender inequality in the field.

“I'm excited to be exposed to the mentoring, networking opportunities and role models that exist within the program and hope one day I can also help enrich the aspirations of other women,” she said.

“The Elevate Scholarship allows me to pursue higher education and study in a field that I hope will allow me to connect my passions, work ethic and what I want my contribution to the world to be.”

Ms Selkirk is excited to commence her studies and wants to pursue a career after graduation that involves making a positive impact on the health of our ecosystems, climate change and the planet.

She believes bringing diversity to STEM fields will foster more inclusivity and effective collaboration.

“Bringing together different perspectives and life experiences creates the opportunity to generate more innovative solutions,” she said.

The Undergraduate scholarships are valued at $30,000, to be received over three years. Ms Selkirk is a part-time student so will receive the same amount over a longer time.

Ms Selkirk is supported by a Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), an Elevate Scholarship with additional benefits supplied by DSTG, including tours, workshops and access to networking events and conferences.

Associate Head of the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences (SAEVS) in the Faculty of Science and Health at Charles Sturt in Albury-Wodonga Dr John Rafferty said he was thrilled by the students’ success.

“We are delighted with Ms Selkirk’s success with the Elevate Scholarship and thrilled she has chosen to Study Environmental Science and Management with Charles Sturt University,” he said.

“We have strong commitment to Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and Athena Swan Bronze accreditation and welcome Ms Selkirk to Charles Sturt and the advancement in science that a gender balance can bring.”

ATSE CEO Ms Kylie Walker said encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM is crucial for fostering diversity, inclusion and innovation.

“By breaking down gender barriers, we can tap into a broader talent pool, ensuring that the most qualified individuals contribute to advancements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” she said.

“Achieving gender balance in STEM promotes economic growth, global competitiveness, and the development of inclusive solutions to our most complex challenges.