03 Aug 2018
Taking it all the way!
The application process to the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) consisted of two main stages. Many people supported me throughout the process including Tanayah Burchell, Dear Winitsinthu, Laurence Hill and Luca Corby who also nominated themselves to attend NYSF. I also had a great help from teachers and Corrimal Rotary. We all encouraged each other through our individual passions for STEM during the application and interview process.
I was first required to complete an online application and approach a local Rotary club for endorsement. I answered questions based on my hobbies, passion for science and why I want to attend NYSF.
The next stage was an interview at the local Rotary district (9675) headquarters in Sydney. There were three different panels judging and three steps. I first had fifteen minutes to choose one of twenty-five STEM based articles. My selection was one based on the MelFind technology, used to identify skin cancer through a scanning arm and a database of skin cancer images.
After fifteen minutes of reading and forming a personal opinion on why I selected this particular article as well as if I agree or disagree with the facts stated, I was introduced to the first panel. In front of this panel of judges I presented a speech focusing on the field of medicine and Stem cells, ambulance helicopters and defibrillator technology.
The next panel I faced was based on the article previously read. I was asked questions such as why did I choose the particular article? What are my thoughts on the topic? And do I agree or disagree with the facts stated?
My answer stated many things including how far can we push technology and still have it be reliable and a short spill on the recent discovery into using blood tests to identify skin cancer.
The final panel I faced was fifteen minutes of being asked general questions about myself and answering with short responses.
All together the interview was forty-five minutes to an hour and I am now fervently waiting until January 2019, where I will be travelling to Canberra for twelve days to meet leading scientists and participate in all things STEM.