Year 12 student Julie Kayes is shooting for the stars in terms of her science career aspirations and CQU is helping as part of the launch pad.

The University has provided $300 sponsorship to help Julie continue as a leading science student and role model.

The Emmaus College student was selected by the local Rockhampton Rotary North Club as a most outstanding student in science.  She was subsequently selected as one of 282 students from around Australia to attend the 2-week National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2007.

From there, Julie was one of only 6 young Australians (2 from Queensland) selected to attend the London International Youth Science Forum in London in July/August this year.

She has recently been selected to join the staff of the 2-week National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2008.

Julie is still considering her university options for 2008, although she is most likely to go to Brisbane to pursue specialty studies that might one day open up careers in the space industry.

"I am very grateful for the support Central Queensland University is giving me," Julie said.

"It gives me great encouragement to follow my dreams. This support and the support given to me by Rotary and many others, has allowed me to gain experience that I could otherwise only dream about."

A very active member of her school community, Julie is also a regular when it comes to competitions and representing her school.

Amongst many other challenges such as Rostrum Voice of Youth, Optiminds and Lions Youth of Year Quest, Julie has competed successfully in the CQU Science Quiz in past years.

She is currently studying 6 pre-tertiary subjects : Math B, Math C, Physics, Chemistry, English and Information Processing and Technology.

Julie said the trip to the London International Youth Science Forum was a once in a lifetime experience to meet other young, talented scientists from many countries around the world, allowing her to expand her knowledge of different cultures while gathering perspectives and information on a large range of scientific issues, which she intends to bring back to the community.

Andrew Gauci from Rockhampton Rotary North and Neil Butler from CQU Marketing congratulate Julie Kayes on her achievements
Andrew Gauci from Rockhampton Rotary North (left) and Neil Butler and Amelia Tomlinson from CQU congratulate Julie Kayes