Science whiz-kids get the gongs

Published Friday, 10 September, 2021 at 08:39 AM

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

Embargoed until after 10am, Friday 10 September

 

Education Minister Grace Grace has announced the winners of the 2021 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Education.

 

 “Looking at the list of winners from right across Queensland, it’s clear that our students and teachers are doing amazing things in the STEM space,” Ms Grace said.

 

“I congratulate the 28 Peter Doherty Award winners on receiving this award which acknowledges outstanding achievements, enthusiasm and contributions to STEM in schools and communities.

 

Ms Grace praised the achievements of all the award winners whose efforts have earned them each a $5000 prize.

 

“If ever there was a moment to be acknowledging our young scientists and encouraging them to continue on their path towards a STEM career, this must be it,” she said.

 

“I hope this award will encourage our budding young scientists to maintain their passion for STEM.”

 

As well as being awarded to students, the prizes are also given to schools and teachers for their outstanding work delivering STEM education.  Two new award categories have been added this year to celebrate and reward the efforts of teachers and students in rural and remote locations.

 

The awards celebrate the life and on-going work of Brisbane-born Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Professor Peter Doherty. 

 

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government’s strategy to strengthen STEM education in Queensland includes building teacher capability; lifting student achievement; and increasing student participation in STEM.

 

“STEM education is vital to the future success of our state. The number of jobs in STEM fields is growing at more than twice the rate of other industries and occupations,” she said.

“That’s why we are committed to encouraging more students to engage in STEM, to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

 

“Under the Advancing STEM in Queensland State Primary Schools Initiative, we are investing $81.3 million over four years for primary schools to develop and enhance students’ learning in STEM subjects.”

 

This year’s Peter Doherty Awards’ winners can be found on the Department of Education website at [http://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/awards-competitions/peter-doherty-awards-for-excellence-in-STEM].

 

 

 [ENDS]

 

10 September 2021

 

Media contact: Courtney Hoogen on 0439 341 314

 

2021 Peter Doherty award winners’ list

 

Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award — 13 winners

  • Sahara Gobius, Malanda State High School, Far North Queensland Region
  • Hayden Greer, Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology, Metropolitan Region
  • Henry Hall, Kelvin Grove State College, Metropolitan Region
  • Olivia Hulme, Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology, Metropolitan Region
  • Flynn Kear, St Augustine's College (Cairns), Catholic Education Commission
  • Murphy McDonald-Smith, Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology, Metropolitan Region 
  • Tiarna McElligott, Murrumba State South East Secondary College, North Coast Region
  • Kinta Munro, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School, South East Region
  • Isuka Muthumuni, St John's Anglican College (Forest Lake), Independent Schools Queensland
  • Maegan Palmer, Coombabah State High School, South East Region
  • Saara Silvola, Mountain Creek State High School, North Coast Region
  • Libby Zahnleiter, Biloela State High School, Central Queensland Region
  • Ellie Zillfleisch, Mossman State High School, Far North Queensland Region

 

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

  • Keely Clemments, Ingham State High School, North Queensland Region
  • Ryan Porter, Flagstone State Community College, South East Region
  • Cooper Smith, Rosedale State School, North Coast Region
  • Nicholas Ward-Grodd, Pioneer State High School, Central Queensland Region

 

Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student Award — 2 winners

  • Tahnee Dilger, Atherton State High School, Far North Queensland Region
  • Muthupalaniappan Palaniappan, Spinifex State College - Mount Isa - Senior Campus, North Queensland Region

 

Outstanding Teacher of STEM Award — 5 winners

  • David Capill, Toolooa State High School, Central Queensland Region
  • Nathan Christensen, MacGregor State High School, Metropolitan Region
  • Renitta Flynn, Dalby South State School, Darling Downs South West Region
  • Sharon Singh, St John's Anglican College (Forest Lake), Independent Schools Queensland
  • Breeha Sinnamon, Rockhampton State High School, Central Queensland Region

 

Outstanding Rural and Remote Teacher of STEM Award — 1 winner

  • Brett Murphy, Belgian Gardens State School, North Queensland Region

 

Outstanding STEM Support Officer Award — 1 winner

  • Jennifer Boue, Murgon State High School, Darling Downs South West Region

 

STEM Education Partnership Award — 1 winner

  • Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland

 

Outstanding School STEM Award — 1 winner

  • Thuringowa State High School, North Queensland Region

 

 [ENDS]