Vanessa Palmer (pictured left) and Miranda McLachlan (right) are keen to encourage other girls to attend the annual CQU Girls in Maths, Science and Technology Summer School, held in February each year.

Vanessa, who attends Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, said the event was a great way to discover the diversity of career pathways on offer.

She said the summer school was also useful in helping participants to choose subjects in Years 10, 11 and 12 to help achieve their goals.

Having been inspired by the summer school, Vanessa is now considering a career in forensic or medical pathology.

Both girls agreed that the event was a fun way to experience science and technology and to learn about university options without the distractions of boys being around.

Miranda, from Rockhampton Grammar School, is considering careers in either engineering or pathology.

She praised the summer school for helping her choose subjects that would keep her career options open.

The summer school, which is funded by Education Queensland and Central Queensland University, provides interesting and stimulating experiences in the fields of mathematics, science, information technology and engineering.

The program for girls entering Year 10 includes excursions, presentations by key women in related fields and team activities.

Coordinator and CQU biology lecturer Sheila Jeffery (pictured) said the summer school aimed to encourage more girls from Central Queensland to continue their interest in key areas.

Successful applicants are chosen due to their likelihood to gain the most benefit from the summer school’s activities.

“These girls may not necessarily be the highest achievers, but have demonstrated an interest and ability in mathematics and science subjects. We have chosen girls who we believe need encouragement to maintain their interest in studying these subjects,” Mrs Jeffery said.

Details about the 2006 event (scheduled for February 5-10) are available from Sheila Jeffery via s.jeffery@cqu.edu.au .