Two physics students from The University of Queensland have taken their passion for science on the road and into Queensland classrooms, after earning major Australian ambassador awards.
PhD students Sebastian Schnelle and Michael Garrett from the School of Mathematics and Physics have been awarded 2009 Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Young Science Ambassador Awards .
The awards recognized their academic achievements, communication skills, personal qualities and enthusiasm for promoting science and science education.
Mr Schnelle will visit schools for lectures and workshops on lasers and quantum gases in the coming year, while Mr Garrett will teach students about quantum science.
Mr Garrett said science outreach was not only fun and rewarding, but something he considered incredibly important.
"Science can and must be made accessible and understandable to all members of society. A science-savvy society is a better society," he said.
Mr Schnelle said visiting rural and remote schools ensured students were not disadvantaged compared to their city counterparts.
"Outreach programs are important because every child deserves exposure to exciting and ground breaking science," he said.
"It is very important in encouraging the next generation of scientist and that is why I enjoy being part of it."
The two students have started visiting schools, with Mr Schnelle and colleague Sarah Midgley covering an area from Mossman to Magnetic Island in April as part of the Optical Society of Australia UQ Chapter’s outreach program.
Mr Schnelle has also visited communities in Charleville as part of the Queensland Governments Talking Scientist program.
Mr Garret has travelled around the state with the school’s science communicator Andrew Stephenson, including a visit to Cairns and surrounding schools last month.
Both students have also taken part in workshops for schools on campus and at UQ’s Open Day, and plan to undertake further visits to schools in remote Queensland and Northern Territory promoting science to younger students.
They join a long list of past ATSE Young Science Ambassadors from the school, such as Joel Gilmore, Jenny Riesz, Nathan Langford and Andrew Stephenson.
The school places a strong focus on engaging students through a range of outreach activities, science education, and science communication, shown in its success in the ATSE Science Ambassador Awards.
The award aims to encourage talented young scientists who are currently engaged in research and development, to promote science and science education.
Supported by BP refinery (Bulwer Island) Pty Ltd, Geodynamics Ltd, Powerlink Queensland, and Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network, six young scientists are awarded annually with a certificate, prize money, and reimbursement of travel and promotional expenses associated with their activities.
Media: Lynelle Ross (l.ross@smp.uq.edu.au or 3346 9935).
