Macinley Butson thinks some of the biggest barriers to people pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) are the stereotypes that come with the industry.
The NSW 2018 Young Australian of the Year says not only might isolated or disadvantaged students struggle to develop their skills, but there is an image problem, which contributes to students feeling like they do not belong in STEM subjects.
"Some people have a feeling of imposter syndrome, particularly … disadvantaged students who think of science and think of the quintessential guy with a white lab coat and frizzy hair doing chemistry or blowing stuff up," she said.
Her image makeover for STEM has started with the launch of a not-for-profit organisation called Passionately Curious.
The organisation will provide pathways for disadvantaged high school students to stick with STEM courses and follow them through to university and a career.
Ms Butson's focus will be regional and remote students, Indigenous students and young women.
Turning students into published authors
One of the most innovative parts of the Passionately Curious project will help students have their scientific work published.
"We're looking at doing things differently, whether we offer a workshop-style program, not just one day, [but] an extended 10-week program to build up skills and show they can do it."
There is also the option of creating classroom materials for teachers.
The brief experience that can spark diversity in STEM
Ms Butson is somewhat of a rockstar when it comes to young Australian scientists.
She was named the 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year after inventing a scalemail copper shield for cancer patients to protect a breast during radiation therapy.
She says she has been to enough science fairs and competitions to see how a student can be motivated to pursue a career in STEM.
"There are programs that inspire students, but we want to make sure once you get that first spark, they can follow through with it."
She will work alongside the Science Teachers Association of New South Wales and tap into science teachers' Facebook groups to make sure she is reaching disadvantaged students.
"The government has said there are clear gaps between the education of disadvantaged students particularly in STEM and their metropolitan counterparts.
"We are not looking to fill quotas, but rather improve the diversity of the STEM community," she said.
"We see incredible innovation when we bring diversity onto the table, so hopefully it leads to that."
