From STEM MAD to ‘making a difference’ - meet the keynote speakers inspiring their peers

This year's STEM ‘Make a Difference’ (MAD) Showcase will be a full circle moment, as two former winners return to the stage, this time as keynote speakers.

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) alumnus Skyla Birch and Year 12 student Terrell Jensen are proof that this unique annual event is more than a competition. It is a launchpad for students to explore big ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and discover where their talents can take them

From designing solutions to supporting communities during disasters and tackling some of society's most complex health challenges, both keynote speakers first tested their ideas through STEM MAD, before taking their passion for innovation to the real world.

Introducing Skyla Birch

As a keynote speaker at the 2026 STEM MAD Showcase, St Mary's College, Maryborough 2024 graduate and former School Captain Skyla’s message to current students is simple – “seize opportunities, back your ideas, and never underestimate where a STEM MAD project might lead”.

BCE’s STEM MAD 2022 winner in the ‘Secondary STEM’ category, Skyla first captured attention with her project A.I.D.S App - Assistance in Disaster, an innovative solution designed to support communities during emergencies.

Now studying Mechatronics Engineering at Queensland University of Technology, specialising in robotics and automation, Skyla is exploring the technologies helping to shape the future. Alongside her studies, she supports QUT's outreach and STEM engagement programs, encouraging school students to consider pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

From regional Queensland classrooms to robotics and automation, Skyla's journey demonstrates how STEM curiosity can become a career dedicated to shaping the future.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible event again in 2026,” Skyla said.

“My biggest advice to students is to make the most of every part of this experience, especially the challenges you face. 

“Skills that you develop along the way, teamwork, resilience, communication, and problem solving, will be invaluable in any career path."

Image caption: St Mary's College, Maryborough 2024 graduate and former School Captain Skyla at the 2022 BCE STEM MAD Competition. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2022).

Introducing Terrell Jensen

Marymount College, Burleigh Waters Year 12 student Terrell will share how the competition sparked a journey into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber security.

Terrell first gained national recognition through his STEM MAD project, AI Lung Scanner, which explored how artificial intelligence could support the early identification of lung cancer. Presented at the 2023 STEM MAD National Showcase, the project demonstrated both technical innovation and a commitment to using emerging technologies to improve health outcomes. The invention won Terrell the BCE ‘The Future is STEM’ and ‘Dr Jordan Nguyen Award for Innovation' award, as well as first place in the ‘Best in Secondary School’ category at STEM MAD Nationals.

Terrell will also share how a single project sparked an ongoing journey into artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber security. Through his keynote, he hopes to encourage students to pursue their ideas, embrace challenges, and recognise the potential of STEM to create meaningful change.

Terrell said he hoped to encourage students to pursue their ideas.

“Embrace challenges you face,” he said.

“Because using STEM, you can create meaningful change.”

Alongside his studies, Terrell continues to expand his expertise in emerging technologies. His current research project, WedgeTail: Malware Evolutionary Intelligence, investigates how machine learning can be used to analyse the evolution of malware, uncover hidden relationships between cyber threats, and strengthen cyber security strategies for the future. Terrell will also present his cybersecurity research project at SecTalks on the Gold Coast in September. 

On top of it all Terrell is also a member of Marymount College's Leadership Team and Code Club.
 
Looking ahead, Terrell hopes to study Computer Science at The University of Queensland and pursue a career at the forefront of cyber security innovation. 

Terrell adds he is looking forward to life at university next year.

“I can’t wait to spread my wings and continue to explore the field of cybersecurity through tackling challenges or utilising cutting-edge technology to develop new solutions,” he said.

Feel inspired? Get more inspired.

Be inspired by students who are already turning their STEM ambitions into reality.

Brothers Jett (Year 11) and Chase Austin (Year 12) from Assisi Catholic College, Upper Coomera will share highlights from their experience at the Australian Space Forum in Adelaide and the opportunities it provided to explore careers and innovations in the space industry. Read their story here.

Students will also hear from Maya, a year 12 student from St Mary's College, Maryborough who will share insights from her TEDx Youth St Mary's College 2026 talk on challenging stereotypes, along with her aspirations to pursue a career in engineering after graduation.

These inspiring student stories showcase the possibilities that STEM can unlock and encourage others to dream big, challenge expectations, and explore their own pathways to success. Watch Maya’s talk here.

What’s new at STEM MAD 2026?

This year, BCE’s flagship STEM event has undergone a major transformation, moving online to remove barriers and create opportunities for even more students to get involved.

The new format ensures students can still experience everything that makes the competition special, from showcasing projects that ‘Make a Difference’ and engaging in hands-on STEM activities, to connecting with peers across schools, hearing from inspiring guest speakers, and celebrating success at the awards ceremony.

Find a Catholic school near you today! Click here.

Main image caption: Marymount College, Burleigh Waters Year 12 student Terrell shares his journey into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber security. Image used with permission.