Monash joins national initiative to build inclusive STEM futures for Indigenous students
Monash University is proud to be part of a national collaboration to inspire students from Indigenous, regional, rural and remote communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
A group of Indigenous staff and students from Monash University, University of Melbourne and Murdoch University, and a team from the award-winning, Indigenous-owned and managed not-for-profit Deadly Coders visited schools and communities in Northam, Western Australia, this month as part of the program.
The ‘Return to Country’ program launched last year and aims to break down barriers to higher education for regional, rural and remote students and build national momentum for inclusive STEM pathways.
Through storytelling and activities, university staff and students will connect with local communities and introduce possibilities that university study in engineering and information technology (IT) can offer to primary and secondary students.
A key event of the program, the Return to Country STEM Oration was delivered by Associate Dean (Indigenous) from the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University, Professor Chris Lawrence, a Wadjak/Ballardong man originally from the region.
A health and wellbeing researcher with a host of career achievements, Professor Lawrence shared his journey, including establishing the National Indigenous Space Academy, which paved the way for First Nations STEM students to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA, supported by the Australian Space Agency.
“I hope to inspire Indigenous people and show how education can change your life,” Professor Lawrence said.
“Education has given me so many wonderful opportunities and life achievements. It empowered me and built my confidence. It opened so many doors and introduced me to so many people at different levels of their careers. I’ve met astronauts, Generals, ambassadors, and people from all walks of life.”
The program is being led by University of Melbourne Associate Dean Indigenous in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Associate Professor Joseph West, a Murawarri engineer from NSW.
“This national effort is needed to enhance Indigenous participation and achieve population parity in engineering and IT by building a strong, end-to-end pipeline – from sparking early interest in primary and secondary students, to cultivating future Indigenous academic and industry leaders,” Associate Professor West said.
“As part of this movement, we are also seeking to preserve and elevate Indigenous knowledge, foster cross-cultural competence and improve community access to engineering solutions.
“It is wonderful to be partnering with Monash University and Deadly Coders for program delivery this week to create opportunities for aspiring Indigenous STEM professionals, working together in a combined effort.”
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Teju Hari Krishna, Monash University
T: +61 450 501 248 E: media@monash.edu
For more Monash media stories, visit our news and events site