Stars in STEM recognised at 2018 Peter Doherty Awards

Education Minister Grace Grace has applauded the 25 winners of the 2018 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education for their outstanding contribution to the field.

Four teachers, 16 students, two support officers and three schools were awarded $5,000 each at today’s awards ceremony, named after Nobel Prize winning scientist Professor Peter Doherty.

Ms Grace said it was fitting that the awards were held on the eve of National Science Week.

“These talented people are nothing short of inspirational and have excelled in fields that are determining the shape of tomorrow, today,” Ms Grace said.

“There is fantastic work being done around STEM in schools across the state and I am constantly in awe of their work.

“I congratulate all winners on their success and encourage them to continue their efforts.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to supporting students with an interest in STEM.

“We are supporting teachers to further develop their skills, which is preparing students to solve real world problems using their knowledge of coding and robotics,” Ms Grace said.

“STEM education is vital for students moving into the rapidly expanding global digital economy.

“That’s why our Government is investing $81.3 million over four years for the Advancing STEM initiative, supporting STEM subject teaching and learning in all state primary schools.

“This funding can be used by schools to source expertise from local secondary schools, universities or industry.

“It can also be used to gain access to resources they need, and to forge new partnerships to make STEM learning more engaging.”

Winners of the 2018 awards can be found here: http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/science/all-stars.html

Media contact: Emma Clarey

2018 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education

Outstanding Senior STEM Student Awards — 12 winners

• Dunija Ariyaratne, Brisbane State High School
• Amy Cooper, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School
• Connor Creevey, Mountain Creek State High School
• Alexandra Fulton, Brisbane State High School
• Angharad Gordon, Mountain Creek State High School
• Mia Hori, Miami State High School
• Jemima Jeffree, Indooroopilly State High School
• Lily Kenway, All Saints Anglican School (Merrimac)
• Wendi Ma, Brisbane State High School
• Luke Marsden, Assisi Catholic College
• Jasmin Somers, Cannon Hill Anglican College
• Guowen Zhang, St Joseph's College (Gregory Terrace)

 Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student Awards — 4 winners

• Braith Gausden, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School
• Ebony Pearson, Pimlico State High School
• Keely Perry, Longreach State High School
• Jayden Webster, Mount Gravatt State High School

 Outstanding Teacher of STEM Awards — 4 winners

• Michael Harris, Edge Hill State School
• Mia Pinnington, Coomera Rivers State School
• Simon Richardson, Chancellor State College
• Chantelle Sansness, Oakleigh State School

 Outstanding STEM Support Officer Awards — 2 winners

• Jenny Barton, St Margaret Mary's College (Hyde Park)
• Christine McGregor, Loreto College Coorparoo

 Outstanding School STEM Awards — 2 winners

• Goodna State School
• Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology

 STEM Education Partnership Awards — 1 winner

• IMPACT Centre – Brisbane School of Distance Education