A partnership between the BHP Foundation and CSIRO, the Indigenous STEM Awards recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM professionals and students as well as schools, teachers and mentors working in Indigenous STEM Education. Emma Sugget from CSIRO released the following details of the winning recipients.
The winning group of 2019. Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger.
Torres Strait Virtual Reality is a virtual reality game to highlight the unique traditions and history of the Torres Strait Islander people.
The game illustrates environmental knowledge, astronomy, stories and cultural practices specific to the Torres Strait Islands.
Rhett Loban. Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger.
“There isn’t a lot of digital media out there in terms of Indigenous content, particularly for Torres Strait Islander content,” he said.
“Through participation and recognition of Indigenous peoples working in STEM, everyone can benefit and learn from each other to power innovation.
“I really enjoy using new and digital media within education. At Macquarie University we are setting up a virtual reality lab and looking how we might use virtual reality in schools and universities.”
Taylah Griffin. Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger.
She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical and Aerospace Engineering (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and works for Boeing Defence Australia as a Graduate Systems Engineer.
“My love for both my culture, and for STEM, are my motivations,” she said.
Jordan Griffiths. Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger.
“The future job market will be led by STEM and currently, less than one per cent of Indigenous students are studying STEM at university.
“If we don’t put a spotlight on Indigenous excellence and promote STEM to young Indigenous Australians, then the gap will continue to grow.”
Marcus Lacey. Photo by Karl Schwerdtfeger.
The school works closely with a community of Elders who share their incredibly valuable traditional ecological knowledge with staff and students.
Each of the winners will have a presentation in their home communities throughout March and April.
The Indigenous STEM Award program is part of the Indigenous STEM Education Project, managed by CSIRO and funded by BHP Foundation.
The Indigenous STEM Education Project aims to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Winners List
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Professional Career Achievement Award
Rhett Loban, Macquarie University, New South Wales.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Professional Early Career Award
Tui Nolan, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Student STEM Achievement Award
Taylah Griffin, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Student STEM Achievement Award
Jordan Salmon, Clancy Catholic College, New South Wales
Jordan Griffiths, Seaton High School, South Australia.
School Award
Areyonga School, Northern Territory.
Teacher Award
Markus Honnef, Innisfail State College, Queensland.
STEM Champion Award
Marcus Lacey, Gumurr Marthakal Rangers, Northern Territory.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Science Award
Deklan, Paralowie R-12 School, South Australia
Sha-Kira Austin, Byron Bay High School, New South Wales.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Maths Award
Stacey and Renee Edwards, Mount St Bernard College, Queensland
Lara Riley, Newton Moore Senior High School, Western Australia
