17 Dec 2016

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM (ISEP) NURA GILI at UNSW

Who would have thought Science and Engineering would be fun? I certainly didn’t. On the 7 to 9th of December I was given the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Science and Engineering Program, run in partnership by Nura Gili at UNSW. I must say it was an experience I will never forget and surely will learn more from. The ISEP Program is a program based on Science and Engineering. The program allows you to experience and investigate the technologies and advanced research available today. We are a world of change and to be part of something so huge has opened my eyes to greater goals and aspirations.

Whilst on the program, I discovered that there was an emphasis on women in Engineering, although the program focuses on indigenous students, I encourage the students of Mary MacKillop Catholic College to take that next step and be the change this world needs. During my time on campus I had attended workshops, networked with other indigenous student across NSW, participated in designing and creating a bionic hand, solar powered car and electronic dice. A highlight in this experience was design and make creation, we were given materials and little instructions and were expected to construct on our ideas. This seemed difficult at first but working collaboratively with those around me, the tasks had proven to not be difficult at all.

In closing, I would like to encourage you, as strong, Mary MacKillop Woman, to step out of your comfort zones and embrace science, and be the change in our society. Make that difference. Take these opportunities as experiences and embrace the world around you.

Adriana Ferkula-Cohen, Year 8