Mary MacKillop College Nundah student Isabella Jones is literally aiming for the stars as she heads to Space School in Houston, Texas later this year – one of only three students Australia-wide to receive a full scholarship worth over $10,000.
The Year 10 student has been anticipating her journey to the United States for a 14-day program at the California Association of STEAM Education (CASE) Space School since she got the news in 2022.
The program includes inside access to NASA, and other cutting-edge space and technology start-up organisations, learning from industry experts and enjoying specialist guided tours.
It is a unique STEAM experience, with students immersed in a program that enhances individual leadership, entrepreneurialism, project management, and communication skills – giving participants a head start to a career in STEAM.
Isabella’s scholarship was generously funded by CASE as part of the organisation’s mission to offer students the highest standard of STEAM learning, collaboratively and globally.
She was nominated for the scholarship by Mary MacKillop College Head of Faculty - Science Bijendra Prasad, endorsed by Acting Principal Erin Wedge.
“Isabella has consistently applied herself to every opportunity,” said Bijendra Prasad.
“She led the student group which were national winners of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Competition in 2022, earned by problem-solving an issue the Brisbane City Council faces.”
Isabella Jones with Head of Faculty - Science Bijendra Prasad
“Isabella’s commitment to her studies, and curiosity for space exploration now and into the future contributed to her successful submission,” said Mary MacKillop College Acting Principal Erin Wedge.
“We are thrilled for her.”
Isabella is part of a group of 15 Mary MacKillop College students and staff who will be flying to the United States in December for this opportunity, which is an annual offering thanks to the College’s partnership with Actura Education.
This is particularly important with Mary MacKillop College being an all-girls school, and STEAM being an industry that is traditionally male-dominated.
“My love for science is always growing and I believe that this experience will broaden my horizons to pursue my passion for science,” said Isabella.
In her scholarship nomination, Isabella talks about how she is inspired by Katherine Johnson, one of NASA’s first female mathematicians.
“She showed everyone in that department that it didn’t matter if you were a man or a woman - everyone holds the power of knowledge.”
Brisbane Catholic Education wishes the 2023 expedition all the best and looks forward to hearing about their experience abroad.