As President Andy mentioned in his closing remarks, we always hear the mostly negative stories about "Today's Youth" and - regrettably - one hears so little about young emerging leaders who quietly beaver in their classrooms, the school library and slave over hot computers to qualify for the rather stringent requirements to be selected to attend the annual National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. Future leaders in their professions who well may make headlines when they publish their discovery some years hence. Considering that it is quite expensive (over $3,000, of which our club sponsors 50%), the event is usually oversubscribed and participants are selected purely on their level of scientific knowledge and in particular on aptitude. Chloe, who currently studies at Queensland Academies Health Sciences, was selected to attend this year's event (back in January). Last Wednesday, she presented with the quiet assurance and poise of a person years beyond her age, outlining her week of mixing it with fellow STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students, professors and professionals of various disciplines at the ANU in Canberra. Events in laboratories, the Canberra Cyber Hub, Mt Stromolo Observatory, direct links to CERN in Geneva, individual discussions in very small groups with professionals, meeting with alumni of previous NYSFs, developing 'buddy' relationships, just to name a few. "I am really glad I went, knowing now what I wouldn't want to do (now, there is an original thought!) She has now principally settled on Cyber Security, a branch of science that most definitely will be at the forefront still for decades to come.
We wish you every success in your career, Chloe. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life of study to report back to our club members.
(A copy of Chloe's PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded - see Download Files on the right. Photo: Chloe with our meeting chairman of the day, Mario Fairlie)