In2science mentor Julie Kheng
What are you studying and what do you like about it? I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at Swinburne University of Technology. I enjoy learning about the physiological aspects of the human body as well as learning how to use medical instruments that you would find in hospitals.
Why did you become an In2science mentor? I became an In2science mentor because I was curious to see why there was a decline in students studying science after year 9 and hoped to try and get students to see that science can be amazing and fun! I want to encourage students to continue with their scientific endeavours and to allow them to see that science is everywhere, even in things you wouldn’t necessarily think it would be found.
Tell us about your In2science placement. I undertook placement in a year 8 science class at Brighton Secondary College in semester 1 2017. It was an interesting class ranging from students who were really interested and loved science to those who didn’t enjoy it at all. It was an amazing experience getting to know the students and having them interact with me and asking me questions that I never would have thought of asking when I was in year 8. In semester 2 2017 I’m mentoring a new group of year 8 students at the same school.
What’s the best thing about In2science? The best thing about In2science was being surprised at the knowledge the students had of cells and the human body – some of the things that they knew I didn’t learn until further study in high school, so that was impressive. It was also great to get to know the individual students and their passions.
What’s one of the biggest challenges about In2science? One of the biggest challenges would probably have to be learning all the student’s names! It did get easier after spending a couple weeks with them in the classroom.
What inspired you to study what you are studying? I have always been interested in the human body, how everything worked and how I could use that knowledge to help others in the health sector.
What message do you hope to pass onto the students in your In2science class? Don’t give up on science and your passion. Although there will be times where you may question why you should continue, in the end it will all be worth it and that there is a wonder of knowledge to discover in science and STEM based subjects. It’s not all just old men with crazy hair!
What do you want to do after you finish university and why? I’m hoping to further my study into pharmacy and from there study medicine.
If you could have an hour to chat with any scientist, mathematician or engineer, who would it be and why? Professor Brian Cox!! He is my idol, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I find him so captivating and has a way in explaining something so complex into basic terms that people like me, who have no physics background, can understand.
What advice would you give other students looking to get involved in In2science? I would highly recommend the program. It not only develops your science communication skills but also quite rewarding knowing that you have inspired students into continuing with science or sparked an interest in them. Who knows, one day some of the students may be a leading scientist!
