Childers mother Tanya Chew finished her high school studies 13 years ago and in the back of her mind yearned for a career in science.

Instead she found herself employed as a bank teller and full-time mother of four children. But this year is her lucky year and thanks to a Central Queensland University scholarship she will have less financial worries as she kick starts her university journey.

Ms Chew completed the Women In Science and Technology (WIST) home-based, self-paced bridging course last year and next month will start studying a Bachelor Science majoring in Biology at Central Queensland University.

She has won the $1000 WIST scholarship aimed specifically at women who are studying in a previously male dominated area. She said she was very excited about studying a degree and to have received the scholarship was an added bonus.

“My four children are also really impressed, the younger ones are always saying how they will be my assistants in the laboratory when I start doing experiments,” she laughed.

“But I am really pleased that I completed the WIST program because I believe it was instrumental in regaining my confidence, it had been so long since I had done that type of study that WIST reinforced my ability to reach my goal of completing a science degree.

“WIST has also helped me deal with the demands of external study, for instance to a certain extend I know what to expect and I will be able to utilise the already established time management skills.

"I also know the demands of external study and the need to juggle family life. In all of this my family has been a great support making me really keen to get back into studying.

Ms Chew said she would encourage other women interested in the sciences or technology to consider the WIST program.

WIST Coordinator Judith Wooller said all women, from school leavers to mature aged women, are eligible to apply for the program with many women in the program in fact mature aged women who are returning to study.

“WIST assists women who have not completed year 12 and/or have a limited knowledge of academic science, mathematics and reading/writing skills to gain entry to university by an alternative pathway. Traditionally women were not encouraged to pursue careers in Science, Mathematics, Computing and Engineering. WIST provides an alternative access for women into non-traditional areas as well as giving women the tools to enable them to undertake courses at university as is the case with Tanya,” Ms Wooler said.

Photo: WIST scholarship winner Tanya Chew will be combining baby Luka Roll’s changing table with the periodic table when she starts her Bachelor of Science this year.