Indigenous high school students experience science at Melbourne

Budding Indigenous scientists from around Australia are visiting the University of Melbourne this week to immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and participate in a range of immersive activities.

For the past decade, the Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) has been running for Indigenous students in years 9 and 10, ensuring they can learn about the latest science technology advancements in a culturally safe and supportive environment.

This year RISE returns to the Parkville campus for the first time since 2019, after the pandemic caused the experience to go virtual for two years. The 2022 program will be the first time the in-person event has had all Aboriginal staff and mentors, along with 70 per cent of workshop facilitators.

Participants are from all parts of Australia including Byron Bay, Kalgoorlie, Darwin, Mildura, Point Cook and Bacchus Marsh.

Workshops held throughout the week will include chemistry, dentistry, environment and sustainability, and maths outreach.

Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Coordinator and Anaiwan person, Nic Radoll said highlights of the week would include a visit to Werribee Zoo, Science Works and the Planetarium, and Wanyara traditional Aboriginal games.

“It’s great to be able to showcase the wide range of careers that STEM offers, including veterinary medicine,” Mx Radoll said. “We organisers also get a lot of out the program too, participating in traditional Indigenous games and getting to know the students.”

Past participant and mentor, Jerrika Pevitt, a proud Gunditjmara woman, has just finished her third year of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne.

“I was in the RISE program in 2017, which is one of the main reasons I decided to study here in Melbourne,” Jerrika said. “I've kept in touch with a bunch of mates I met back then and can't wait to see this year’s participants make long-lasting friendships too.”

University of Melbourne Dean of Science, Moira O’Bryan said ensuring programs like RISE are available to nurture and encourage Indigenous students to consider a career in science were essential.

“As a university we have a duty to attract the best and brightest minds. RISE provides a culturally supportive and responsive space for students, showing them all that’s on offer at the University of Melbourne and across Melbourne more broadly. We hope to further ignite a love of science and give students a taste of university life,” Professor O’Bryan said.

Team leader Brittney Andrews, a proud Noongar person, is currently studying a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. They said it was similar science camps for First Nations students that drew them to make the move from Perth to Melbourne.

“The mentors on these camps made me believe that I was capable of studying at university and inspired me to follow my dreams no matter how out of reach they seemed,” Brittney said.

Will Stow, proud Aboriginal man and descendant of the Worimi people, has just finished his second last year of the Bachelor of Science (Extended). He said is looking forward to meeting the new wave of Indigenous students.

“I am involved in the program because it provides young mob the opportunity to seek out further education. I am very keen to help young mob figure out what their next steps are,” Will said.

For more information about RISE visit  https://science.unimelb.edu.au/engage/science-in-schools/rise.