A total of 100 talented university graduates were have been recipients of the first two intakes of the Maths and Science Graduate Scholarship. The recipients were drawn from a diverse range of university courses and came from a range of regional and metropolitan areas.
In congratulating recipients, Minister Pike said, ‘The graduates will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to their new teaching careers and provide students with a maths and science program that will challenge and inspire them ... What we want to see is students developing a love of learning in Maths and Science that will keep them aiming high and studying the subjects throughout their schooling.’
Discovering 14 new species of fruit fly, developing a quarantine system for nine countries in South East Asia and the Pacific area, pearl farming in Thailand and leading the kitchen as a head chef of his own restaurant: the adventures of Richard have been remarkable.
Richard is now embarking on a new adventure studying to become a secondary teacher through the Department’s Maths and Science Graduate Scholarship Program.
‘Intellectually, I always knew teaching was a good thing to do - to give back ... As a kid I would have loved to have a guy like me as a teacher.’
Having had some exposure to teaching, Richard decided to combine it with his love for the coast.
‘It is a stable job and I’m really interested in working in Australia, Particularly down here in the Warrnambool region ... I’m sort of hoping to combine that (environmental) background, taking the students down to the beach and showing them all the different ecosystems.’
Richard also hopes to arrange an exchange program between a South-West school and his research centre in Tonga, allowing students to learn about the island’s culture and marine environment.
Richard will complete a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at RMIT University and study science and biology methods.
Science has always played a starring role in Natalie’s life. A clinical veterinarian for more than 15 years, Natalie decided that teaching rather than practising, was a better way to reach people.
‘I enjoyed it [being a vet] but like everything in life it was time for a change and teaching ticked all the boxes,’ Natalie said.
Natalie hopes to use her practical experience to inspire students. ‘I want to help them grow and be confident with themselves.’
Natalie is undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at Victoria University with teaching method studies in Science and Business Studies. ‘The teaching course has been fantastic so far. it’s opened up my mind to the potential of the younger generation.’