12 Feb 2021
How many people can say they’ve attended a live event featuring Nobel Laureates and had the opportunity to ask them questions about their career, research or studies?
Not one, but two QHS students, were given just that opportunity when they were selected to attend the prestigious the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).
2021, Year 12 QHS students, Thomas Boorer and Mark Batterham – (pictured with Teacher, Mr Roberts) who achieved ‘Above State Average’ in HSC Physics as Accelerated students in 2020 - were chosen to participate in the selective National opportunity.
The NYSF is usually run face-to-face in Canberra, but COVID-19 restrictions saw it move to online this year, except for the three days experience at the University of Newcastle.
Mark and Thomas attended daily online Zoom events and their experience days from the 5th to the 22nd of January.
“We undertook nearly a month of opportunity and learning at the highest level in field of Science. We learnt so much about what is open to us after the HSC,” said Mark.
“We are exceptionally grateful to the Quirindi Branch of Rotary for helping fund us to attend the forum, and to our school and parents for supporting us,” said Thomas.
The students joined live shows for both Professor Barry Marshall and Professor Brian Schmidt who spoke on how they came to secure their Nobel Prize.
Prof Marshall’s lecture outlined how all areas of science are important when trying to prove a new theory. From chemistry to physics to statistics, a lengthy deliberate, process is needed – as well as many years of personal sacrifice.
“He conducted testing on himself, to prove his theory that bacterium Helicobacter pylori caused stomach ulcers, not life stress as previously thought, this meant the condition could be treated,” said Thomas.
Prof Brian Schmidt’s lecture offered words of wisdom and a crash course in astrophysics as he discussed his STEM journey and his Nobel Prize-winning research.
“Prof Schmidt said he couldn’t believe his results, until his measurements proved correct - that the universe was indeed expanding at an accelerating rate,” added Mark.
Prof Schmidt’s advice to students was “Learn to believe in yourselves, remain positive in the face of adversity, and focus on doing things well.”
In another presentation, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith spoke on her passion and personal stories of studying the births and deaths of stars, world travel and having a pivotal role in Australia’s bid for the world’s largest radio telescope (the Square Kilometre Array now located in Western Australia).
The duo said they were fortunate to be able to participate in presentations by the absolute best in the world of science, including the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, experts involved in the Large Hadron Collider and even researchers based in Antarctica.
“We also learnt about science communication in the media and how important it is, if you make a great discovery, to ensure the world has the correct information,” said Thomas, who added the entire experience was beyond his expectations.
The students headed to the University for Newcastle for three intensive days of experience.
“We had a tour of the facilities and sat in lectures with PhD students, who taught us the basis of their works. We got to look at current students engineering projects including discussing the rockets they are constructing,” said Mark.
As well as attending lectures and reviewing rockets, the duo were fortunate to have a sit in one of the Universities first design iteration of a new battery powered electric vehicle.
“The university students outlined their learning on both combustible and electric engines and at the event, we met and made friends with fellow year 12 students from across the region,” added Mark.
Both Mark and Thomas, were thankful for the opportunities provided at the forum and at QHS.
“We are really grateful for the opportunity provided by the school and Mr Roberts to undertake Accelerated HSC Physics last year when we were in year 11. This has given us a taste of the HSC and has freed us up for two extra study periods for this year,” commented Mark.
As well as the learning, inspiration, making new friends and having a taste of university life, the duo said they can recommend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF ) to other for the sense of achievement.
“It’s a lifechanging opportunity and I recommend future students putting their hands up to attend and make the most of all that is offered,” concluded Thomas.
Rotary has been an integral supporter of NYSF since the first program in 1984. Applications for the NYSF are open from early March to July 20 each year.
Congratulations students we are very proud of you all. Thank you, Mr Roberts for you dedication to our students, we are very proud of our schools ability to offer bespoke pathways for student learning to achieve outstanding results.