Inside the World of STEM: A Rare Look Behind the Scenes at SAHMRI and Ingenuity
Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside a world-class lab? Our Year 11 IB students and selected peers just found out! On October 30, the girls were granted a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of SAHMRI, experiencing STEM careers firsthand—an opportunity typically off-limits to the public.
SAHMRI: Learning from Leading Women in Science
Led by pioneering female scientists, including Old Scholar Dr Laura Eadie (Selwyn, 2001) on leukemia, Professor Lisa Butler on solid tumours, Dr Fiona Bright on childhood dementia, and Dr Sanuri Liyanage on diabetic vascular research, the students gained invaluable insights into groundbreaking medical research. These accomplished women shared their career journeys, showing our students the real-world impact of STEM. “Touring the labs was incredibly insightful,” said Alix. “It sparked my passion for the research industry.”
The day was made even more meaningful by reuniting with Old Scholar Emeshe Robson (Kennion, 2021) at Ingenuity, who reflected, “It’s genuinely impactful for St Peter’s Girls’ students to see the direct influence of research and understand that what you learn in school has purpose and power. You can make a difference through your studies and efforts.”
Ingenuity 2024: Ideas That Inspire
The excitement continued at Ingenuity, where university students showcased projects addressing real-world challenges, from engineering solutions for space to medical advancements. “Talking to uni students about their projects solidified my interest in health science,” Lila shared, “and fuelled my passion for biology.”
This rare experience broadened horizons, connecting our students with the endless possibilities within STEM and inspiring them to dream big. Thanks to the SAHMRI team and our organisers for creating a day that truly opened doors and brought science to life!
Melissa Lee
STEM Innovation Leader
Samantha O’Brien
Head of Mathematics
Craig Byrne
Head of Science
