
  • Staff
  • Students
  • Library
Flinders University Logo Flinders University Logo
  • Study

    Study areas

    • Business
    • Computer science and information technology
    • Creative arts and media
    • Criminology
    • Defence and national security
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Humanities and social sciences
    • Innovation and enterprise
    • International relations and political science
    • Languages
    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Nursing and midwifery
    • Psychology
    • Science
    • Social work
    • Sport

    I am...

    • a high school student
    • a non-school leaver
    • a future honours student
    • a future postgraduate student
    • a future research student
    • a future online student
    • a future Indigenous student
    • an international student
    • a parent
    • a school counsellor/teacher
    Explore
    Admission pathways
    Apply
    Contact us
  • Study

    Study areas

    • Business
    • Creative arts
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Environment
    • Government
    • Health sciences
    • Humanities
    • Information technology
    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Nursing
    • Psychology
    • Public health
    • Science
    • Social sciences
    • Social work

    International websites

    • China
    • Vietnam
    Explore Flinders
    Apply
    Contact us
  • Research

    Research areas

    • Engineering and technology
    • Health and medical
    • People and society
    • Science, environment and natural resources
    • Emerging research - Defence

    Fearless Research

    • Research Changing Lives

    I am...

    • a potential collaborator
    • a researcher
    • a potential research student
    • a current research student
    Research@Flinders
    Institutes and centres
    Partner with us
    Participate
  • Research

    Research areas

    • Engineering and technology
    • Health and medical
    • People and society
    • Science, environment and natural resources
    • Emerging research - Defence

    Fearless Research

    • Research Changing Lives

    I am...

    • a potential collaborator
    • a researcher
    • a potential research student
    • a current research student
    Research@Flinders
    Institutes and centres
    Partner with us
    Participate
  • Engage

    I want to...

    • Engage with us
    • Connect with students
    • Locate a clinic
    • Book a campus venue
    • Find a tender
    • Give to Flinders
    • Work at Flinders
    • Participate in a research study
    • See what's on
    • Shop Flinders merchandise
    • Explore Indigenous education

    Related links

    • Flinders New Venture Institute
    • Alumni
    • Health2Go
    • Flinders University Museum of Art
    • Flinders One Sport and Fitness
    Business and government
    Community
    Culture
    International
  • Alumni

    I want to...

    • Join an alumni network
    • Establish an alumni network
    • Share a memory
    • Access career services
    • Order a transcript
    • Give to Flinders
    • Update my details
    • Find a classmate
    • Shop Flinders merchandise
    Our alumni
    Benefits and services
    Get involved
    Stay connected
  • Giving

    Donate today

    • Donate online
    • Donate by mail
    • Giving online FAQs (PDF)
    • Staff Workplace Giving Program
    • Contact us

    Ways to give

    • Give in celebration or in memory
    • Leave a gift in your Will
    • Giving from overseas
    • Give a cultural gift
    • Get involved

    Donate to
    Why give
    Our donors
  • About

    The 2025 agenda

    • Vision and mission
    • Our strategic plan
    • Our values and ethos
    • Flinders Village

    Governance and leadership

    • University Council
    • Chancellor
    • Vice-Chancellor

    Our organisation

    • Colleges
    • Library
    • Professional services
    • Staff directory
    • Sustainability at Flinders

    Campus and locations

    • Bedford Park
    • Tonsley
    • City Campus
    • Flinders in the NT
    • Health and Medical Research Building
    Fast facts
    History
    Structure
    Contact us
  • Staff
  • Students
  • Library
  • You have no saved courses.

    Continue to explore your course options.

     
    Explore our courses

    Your saved courses

    {{{courseName}}}
    mail_outline
    delete
    View all saved courses
  • Quick links 
    • Current students
    • Staff
    • Library
    • Flinders dashboard (Okta)
    • Ask Flinders
    • Flinders Learning Online (FLO)
    • Parking
    • Campus map: Bedford Park
    • Staff directory
    • Jobs at Flinders
    • Shop Flinders merchandise

 
  • Study 

    Study areas

    • Business
    • Computer science and information technology
    • Creative arts and media
    • Criminology
    • Defence and national security
    • Education
    • Engineering
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Humanities and social sciences
    • Innovation and enterprise
    • International relations and political science
    • Languages
    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Nursing and midwifery
    • Psychology
    • Science
    • Social work
    • Sport

    I am...

    • a high school student
    • a non-school leaver
    • a future honours student
    • a future postgraduate student
    • a future research student
    • a future online student
    • a future Indigenous student
    • an international student
    • a parent
    • a school counsellor/teacher
  • Events 
    • Future student events
    • Livestream Information Sessions
    • Postgraduate information sessions
  • Explore 
    • The Flinders experience
    • Live on campus
    • Explore combined degrees
    • New courses in 2025
    • Scholarships
  • Admission pathways 
    • Year 12 entry
    • TAFE/VET to uni
    • Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
    • Indigenous Admission Scheme
    • Course pathways
    • Military academic pathways
    • Foundation Studies
  • Apply 
    • Apply for an undergraduate degree
    • Apply for a postgraduate coursework degree
    • Higher Degree by Research
    • Apply for an honours year
    • Internal transfer
    • Credit transfer
    • Scholarships
  • Contact us 
    • Book a chat
    • Book a campus tour
STEM Enrichment Academy

For Year 9 Girls in South Australia and Northern Territory

Find your fearless

STEM ENRICHMENT ACADEMY

For Year 9 Girls in South Australia and Northern Territory

Expression of Interest form 

3 Day Enrichment Conference 

Teacher Professional Development 

The  STEM Enrichment Academy program for Year 9 girls is a program of enrichment days, teacher development and conferences  developed from a Department of Industry and Science and a Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grant and support from Flinders University.

Including the first phase of the STEM Enrichment Academy program, more than 1600 Year 9 students from SA and other states and territories have had intensive hands-on experience with science topics at Flinders University and more than 100 teachers have  attended professional development sessions. A new Physics Skills Enhancement micro-credential has also been released for 35 school teachers, with registrations so far from NSW, SA and the Northern Territory.

Year 9 girls in a group wearing white lab coats with the University's VC
3 year 9 girls doing an experiment at a STEM event with the VC watching
Lecture theatre full of girls listening to a role model talk about STEM careers

In February, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia together with her husband Mr Rod Bunten and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling visited students attending at the STEM Enrichment Academy one day enrichment workshops. The workshop was attended by high school students – from Mary MacKillop College, Marryatville and Christies Beach high schools, Harvest Christian College at Kadina and Sacred Heart College and Westminster School. Photos show Her Excellency and the Vice Chancellor interacting with the students at the event.

Year 9 girls in a group wearing white lab coats celebrating
3 year 9 girls doing an experiment at a STEM event
Lecture theatre full of girls listening to a role model talk about STEM careers

STEM Enrichment Program

We aim to inspire Year 9 girls to explore STEM topics through monthly skill enrichment workshops that include mentorship by female STEM role models, intensive hands-on STEM workshops, and lab tours. Our workshops allow students to perform hands-on experiments in science, computing, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering topics at Flinders University facilities.

Please reach out to our email stemenrich@flinders.edu.au.

 

Meet our Governance team and committee

Meet our Role Models 

Teacher Professional Development 

2025 STEM Enrichment one day workshops for students

Event

Date

Time

TERM 1

STEM Enrichment Day 

Friday 4 April

9 am to 2 pm

 

Here's a sneak peak of some of our workshops keyboard_arrow_up

 

Title

                             Description

 

Curriculum link

Light and lasers

Using laser beams and spectroscopic techniques to explore the total internal reflection of light and interference phenomena. Learn how these techniques are used in everyday technologies such as laser printers, internet fibre optics cables etc.

Precursor to Stage 1 & 2 Physics

Green Chemistry

Learn how chemistry can used to perform sustainable development. Perform chemical experiments to make sustainable bottles using seaweeds and sustainable soap solutions.

Precursor to Stage 1 & 2 Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science

Electrochemistry

Developed to help achieve, cement and extend knowledge of some of the electrochemical techniques explored in the SACE Stage 2 curriculum. Study oxidation and reduction reaction at a polarised electrode surface. Make your own jewellery using redox reaction.

Precursor to Stage 1 & 2 Chemistry

Matter, Space and Photons

Explore the quantum theory of light and relativity through hands-on learning resources. Learn how these concepts are important for the understanding of our universe as well as for their immense applications in modern technology such as GPS and space science.

Precursor to Stage 1 & 2 Physics

Energy and Forces

Explain how scientific understanding of energy conservation, transfers and transformations is applied in physical systems. Use hands-on learning resources to explore these concepts

Year 9 Science

Cybersecurity

Delve into the world of ethical hacking, encryption basics, and real-world cyber threats. Participants will be involved in activities for understanding online safety and essential digital safety skills

Year 9 – 12  Computer Science & Technology

Maths & Geometry

Students engage in interactive activities that bring abstract concepts to life. From geometric puzzles to real-world problem-solving, participants will discover the fun side of mathematics through hands-on learning resources

Year 9 – 12 Maths

And many more topics to be added….

Register your interest 

Email us: stemenrich@flinders.edu.au

Professional Development Program for Teachers

We will be running free teacher professional development programs on STEM topics. These programs will assist the teaching of STEM topics using hands-on learning resources. Resources will be created online as well as in print for teachers of all backgrounds and will be made available to them. Our workshop will be linked to the curriculum so that the teachers can implement the topics in their classrooms. 

Physics Skills Enhancement Microcredential

Enhance your STEM career Flinders University proudly presents South Australia's first Physics Skills Enhancement Microcredential, open to all Australians. 

Duration: 4 weeks
Contact hours: 25 hours
Credits: 4.5 units at Flinders University
Prerequisites: None Indicative course fees: $TBC
Location: Online + 2 days in Bedford Park
Academic lead: Prof Maria Parappilly
Delivery mode: Hybrid 
First intake: April 2025 

Download the brochure

Digital Technology Teacher PD Workshop

STEM Enrichment Academy Role Models

Role models play a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping the future of aspiring young minds. The STEM Enrichment Academy role models are individuals who are achieving remarkable success in their respective fields and are making an impact with ground breaking contributions. Their significance in the STEM enrichment program is important as they serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding and motivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists. Through their stories and experiences, they instil passion, curiosity, and a sense of purpose, providing invaluable pathways knowledge to our Year 9 girls as they embark on their own STEM journeys.

Zoe Doubleday

STEM Role model Lily Taylor

Zoe is a research scientist and leads the MARIS lab at the University of South Australia (www.marislab.org). Her research spans marine ecology, fisheries, and animal biology with outcomes that support conservation, sustainable seafood production, and food security. 

Read more about Zoe keyboard_arrow_up

Zoe works with geoscientists to develop innovative tools to track the movement of animals and the provenance of food products, and is an internationally recognised expert on octopus and other cephalopods. Everything Zoe does is underpinned by her mission to ensure science is not hidden behind closed doors but is communicated to the broader community. She is passionate about science communication and storytelling, and works regularly with radio, TV, and print media in Australia and overseas.

Lily Taylor

STEM Role model Lily Taylor

Lily is an Optics Specialist working for the Information Sciences Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in the Australian Department of Defence.

Read more about Lily keyboard_arrow_up

She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Laser Physics and a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) in experimental and theoretical physics from the University of Adelaide. She started working for DSTG in 2018 where she conducts research into laser satellite communications.

Lily has a particular interest in STEM outreach and is a passionate STEM advocate. She has participated in and led many outreach activities for Defence and is a strong advocate for young women and people from regional and remote communities in STEM.

Zoe Gardner

Panel Member: Zoe Gardner PhD student

Zoe is a PhD student at Flinders University specialising in green chemical applications for the Vortex Fluidic Device, which is essentially a very fast spinning test tube.

Read more about Zoe keyboard_arrow_up

Zoe received a Bachelor of Science (Clean Technology) from Flinders in 2019, during which she received a New Columbo Plan scholarship. In 2020 she completed her Honours degree under the supervision of Professor Colin Raston, researching a new method to make Indium and Gallium nanomaterials for which she achieved a first-class honours degree.

Now undertaking her PhD, her field of research is in small molecular synthesis under flow and understanding the fluid flow at sub-micron dimensions. This year she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to undertake 6 months research in Irvine, California.

Zoe hopes to be part of a network of scientists driving sustainability and change in chemistry, to make a difference in our communities by reducing emissions.

Julia Erceg

Julia Erceg STEM role model

Julia is a High Energy Astrophysics Honour’s student! She loved science, especially space, as a child and carried that passion through to University.

Read more about Julia keyboard_arrow_up

She graduated from the Australian Science and Mathematics School and went straight to university to do a Bachelor of Science majoring in Experimental and Theoretical Physics. She then completed an Honour’s year in the High Energy Astrophysics Group at the University of Adelaide. She is currently researching particles called neutrinos and how they are produced in galaxies!

She went from a child who had seen every MythBusters and Cosmos episode at least a 100 times, to a scientist in training herself. From being the first woman in her family to graduate high school, let alone University she hopes to be the first to have Dr. in front of her name as well.

 

Ayla Orang

STEM Role model Ayla Orang

Ayla is an early career researcher, currently undertaking her second post-doctoral position at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. 

Read more about Ayla keyboard_arrow_up

She previously completed her doctoral studies at Flinders University, and subsequently completed my first postdoctoral position at the Centre for Cancer Biology at the University of South Australia. She has successfully secured two grant fundings and has been recognised by several awards and prizes. 

Returning after maternity leave Ayla faced the demanding task of balancing her role as a full-time researcher with responsibilities as a new parent. Despite the difficulties, her love for the research served as a driving force that motivated her to endure the hard work required to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Ayla enjoys her research as it combines her passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms of life at cellular level with the purpose of contributing to cancer research, which has a significant impact on improving human health and potentially save lives. This field allows her to explore complexities of cancer and work towards finding better treatments and potential cures, making her job deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Francesca Bucci

STEM Role model Francesca Bucci

Francesca Bucci is a dedicated biomedical engineer who is passionate about research in the field of Orthopaedic Biomechanics. 

Read more about Francesca keyboard_arrow_up

She holds a master's degree in engineering from the University of Bologna and recently completed her Ph.D. at Flinders University. Currently, she is embarking on a post-doctoral journey at the Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University.

Francesca's research focus revolves around understanding the mechanics of the human body, with a specific emphasis on the knee joint and knee replacement mechanics. Through her expertise in biomechanics, she aims to improve patient outcomes by employing innovative approaches and developing personalized models. Her current research project involves collaborating with industry leaders in orthopaedics to develop surgical training models for knee, hip, and spine procedures, aiming to enhance surgical techniques and ultimately benefit patients.

Beyond her research, Francesca is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. She takes an active role by organizing the National Biomechanics Day at Flinders, conducting hands-on workshops to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm towards biomechanics. These workshops focus on tibial fracture fixation and motion analysis, encouraging young minds to explore educational pathways and careers in this beautiful and dynamic field.

Francesca's passion is fuelled by the extraordinary potential of Orthopaedic Biomechanics to create profound changes in the lives of individuals. She believes that, by combining knowledge, expertise, innovative thinking, scientific advancements, and a genuine sense of care and compassion, biomechanics offers an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact in healthcare and positively transform the well-being of countless individuals.

India Shackleford

STEM Role model India Shackleford

India studied a Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Enhanced Program for High Achievers) at Flinders University, specialising in forensic and analytical chemistry.

Read more about India keyboard_arrow_up

India is a scientist, writer and researcher. While her background is in forensic science, she has conducted research in many areas, including medicinal chemistry (making new cancer drugs), soft robotics and health.

India is currently working as an Indigenous Science Writer for Double Helix magazine while studying postgraduate medicine at Flinders University.

Outside of her studies, she enjoys painting, running and drinking coffee.

Danielle Hughes

STEM Role model Danielle Hughes

Danielle started at Flinders University in 2018, studying a Bachelor of Science (Physics) under the Enhanced Program for High Achievers.

Read more about Danielle keyboard_arrow_up

Throughout her studies she engaged in research, undertaking semester-long research projects in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, she was awarded a CSE Summer Research Award and continued her work with Associate Professor John Costi. In 2019, as the highest-achieving second-year female physics student, Danielle received the Claire Corani Memorial Prize in Physics. In 2020, she was awarded the Soroptimist International Southern Districts of Adelaide Prize for High Achieving Women in Science.

In 2021, Danielle completed the honours year of her degree under the supervision of Professor Jamie Quinton and Professor Sarah Harmer, studying plasma-facing materials for nuclear fusion reactors. She graduated with first class honours and received a university medal to recognise her outstanding academic results. Now undertaking her PhD, Danielle is continuing her research on plasma-facing materials. She is studying the formation of helium bubbles, a type of damage caused by exposure to helium plasma, in nanostructured surfaces.

Danielle is passionate about engaging with other young women interested in STEM. She is the 2023 Flinders University student representative for the Australian Institute of Physics SA Branch, and an awardee member of Soroptimist International Southern Districts of Adelaide. Through these roles, she hopes to inspire other young women to seek opportunities in STEM. 

Victoria Rowe

STEM Role model Victoria Rowe

Victoria is a first-year student at Flinders University, studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Enhanced Program for High Achievers, majoring in Physics. She was one of the alumni/participants of Flinders University’s 2019 STEM Enrichment programs.

Adele Mastroyannis

STEM Role model Adele Mastroyannis

Adele Mastroyannis currently completing a PhD in Marine Biotechnology at Flinders University with Prof. Colin Raston and A. Prof Kirsten Heimann. 

Read more about Adele keyboard_arrow_up

The project is titled, ‘Biorefinery of South Australian Brown Seaweed Polyphenols and their applications in skin health’ and funded by the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing. 

The Journey to this point has been a long one.  In 2011, she received a Bachelor of Marine Biology at Flinders University.  She then pursued a Masters in Biotechnology, followed by a Masters in Secondary school teaching, with a focus on science, maths, home economics and physical education to middle years.  She also participated as a teacher in the 2019 STEM enrichment academy and believes it was one of the most beneficial programs to allow the younger generation to see the opportunities outside of traditional education.  Inspired, she also now developing educational resources for green chemistry to help students shift their traditional thinking of chemistry to new and exciting opportunities. 

Adele’s dream is to be a strong female leader and ambassador in South Australia for Marine Biotechnology.  She has a strong passion in developing sustainable skin health products within a circular economy, but also drive the next generation of scientists to help this change.  She is currently completing an internship with Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre, helping her to fulfill her driven nature to change the world.  

Expressions of interest

If you and your school are interested in participating the STEM Enrichment Academy Phase II, please complete the expression of interest form below.

Big Boost for STEM in schools

New federal funds will help Flinders University support hundreds of female Year 9 students in South Australia and the Northern Territory to build competitive skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to build their future education and career opportunities.    

The Flinders University STEM Enrichment Academy is the only SA university to receive almost $1 million in Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources funding through the latest round of the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) program.  

The $996,144 funding injection will ramp up the successful Academy’s outreach in regional and suburban schools, to target a further 1000 schoolgirls through specially adapted STEM enhancement courses, as well as supporting a new diploma course for up to 150 secondary school STEM teachers. 

Read more about the STEM Enrichment Academy Phase 2 announcement

Teachers and students from Kadina Harvest Christian School who attended one of the first Flinders STEM Enrichment Academy conferences.

Partnering with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

This project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the Women in STEM  Entrepreneurship program.

Flinders University Logo

Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042

South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online

Information for

  • Future students
  • Alumni
  • Media
  • Business and community
  • Current students
  • Staff
  • External contractors

Directories

  • Contact us
  • Campus and locations
  • Staff directory
  • Colleges
  • Library
  • Research Institutes and Centres

Follow Flinders

Facebook - Flinders University
Instagram - Flinders University
TikTok - Flinders University
LinkedIn - Flinders University
Bluesky - Flinders University
YouTube - Flinders University
Brand SA logo Innovative Research University logo Indigenous communities

Website feedback

Disclaimer

Accessibility

Privacy

CRICOS Provider: 00114A      TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097      TEQSA category: Australian University

Last Updated: 18 Mar 2025

FOREVER FEARLESS

This website uses cookies

Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.

If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:

Accept all cookies and continue

If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.

Reject all non-essential cookies and continue