Full circle in STEM: Lara’s journey from student to mentor
Lara Godde first became involved with HunterWiSE as a Year 8 student in 2018. At the time, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do with her future, but participating in the program proved to be a turning point.
As part of the HunterWiSE Schools Outreach Program, Lara and two friends from St Mary’s Catholic College Gateshead designed Fit Near Me - an app connecting adults in Newcastle with local opportunities to participate in physical activity. Their innovative idea was recognised as one of the winning projects that year, reinforcing Lara’s growing confidence in STEM and problem-solving.
"Working alongside my mentor and classmates sparked my enjoyment of science and gave me the confidence to continue with STEM subjects in high school. That early encouragement set me on the path I’m on today."
Lara’s HunterWiSE story didn’t end in Year 8. After enrolling in a Bachelor of Science at the University of Newcastle, Lara returned to HunterWiSE in 2024 - this time, as a student mentor. Over two years, Lara provided mentorship to 15 students who worked on a range of real-world challenges, including the design of a sustainable tiny home community, a manual water removal system to reduce flooding on school grounds, and a silent alarm system to detect vaping in schools.
As an alumna of the Outreach Program and a HunterWiSE mentor, Lara became part of the HunterWiSE Academy - the community of former participants, mentors and scholarship recipients. Through the Academy, HunterWiSE supports students as they progress through education and into their careers, offering events and opportunities to establish connections, give back, and build confidence within a like-minded community.
"Returning to HunterWiSE as a mentor was equally life-changing. Supporting students as they moved from being disengaged to brimming with excitement and creativity is incredibly rewarding. I’ve also built strong professional networks, met inspiring industry partners, and connected with other mentors who share a passion for empowering the next generation."
In 2025, Lara graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Science (Biology) with Distinction and is now in her first year of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne. As she transitions into her professional career, Lara remains part of the broader HunterWiSE network - a community that continues to encourage the participation of women in STEM beyond university and into the workforce.
For Lara, HunterWiSE has truly come full circle - first as a student discovering her potential, then as a mentor giving back, and now as part of a lifelong community of women in STEM.
"It’s a program that changes lives, builds confidence, and opens doors at every stage of the journey."
Inspired by Lara’s story?
HunterWiSE is always looking for motivated students to join our community of mentors. Get in touch to learn more about the role, and the other ways to be part of the HunterWiSE community.
Contact
- Leah Kiem, HunterWiSE Project Manager
- Email: hunterwise@newcastle.edu.au
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