Budding scientist inspired by APPEA Youth conference

St John Fisher College, Bracken Ridge

St John Fisher College Year 12 student Taylah Martin was invited to the oil and gas industry's international conference at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre​

BUDDING scientist Taylah Martin was p​rivy to the latest technology for the global oil and gas industry when she attended the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA)'s international conference in Brisbane.

The St John Fisher College, Bracken Ridge, Year 12 student was amongst 40 STEM students from across Brisbane invited to participate in the APPEA Youth Program aimed at Year 10-12 students.

As part of the program they were invited to attend the APPEA Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, the largest annual upstream oil and gas event in the southern hemisphere, attracting delegates from across the country and around the world.

The selected high school groups participated in tailored one-day workshops and interactive activities with industry leaders, learned about the many career pathways available to them and experienced a guided walk through the busy APPEA exhibition hall.

Taylah said she was the day was absolutely amazing thanks to APPEA and STEM education providers STEMPunks.

“I was given the opportunity to immerse myself in sections of the industry such as technological advancements in the use of drones, as well as virtual and augmented realities.

“I also had the undivided attention from industry experts and most importantly learn.

“I extremely appreciate being given the opportunity."

APPEA's new community engagement initiative, the Brighter program, which facilitated the program this year, collaborated with STEMPunks to deliver interactive workshops demonstrating how new technology such as virtual reality and drones were deployed in the field today.

Brighter program director Sarah Browne said they were delighted to welcome Taylah as part of the Youth Program in 2019, along with around 80 other high school students over the course of two days.

“We believe science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is fundamental to the skill set of Australia's future workforce, and we know we need to engage with that next generation of talent.

“The natural gas industry is dependent on advanced technology and is reliant on STEM educated workers - from engineers to environmental scientists – to manage and operate it."

“We hope that these bright young students enjoyed being part of our biggest industry event as much as we enjoyed hearing their perspectives and fresh ideas," she said.

St John Fisher science teacher David Hooper said Taylah had an inquisitive nature which was one of the key qualities of a good scientist.

“She has shown keen interest in science since Year 8 and now studies both physics and chemistry at St John Fisher College," he said.

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