An unlikely bond
The unique mentor-mentee relationship between a PhD candidate and a high school student highlights how STEM can drive community change and empower the next generation.
When Elizabeth Torres Arce moved from her home country of Mexico to Newcastle to pursue a PhD in reproductive science, she never imagined that weekly visits to a regional town would become part of her routine. Having benefited from mentors throughout her education, Elizabeth was interested when a University of Newcastle colleague mentioned HunterWiSE as a chance to develop her own mentoring skills.
At Singleton High School, Year 8 student Amber was one of twelve girls to express an interest in the 2024 HunterWiSE Outreach Program. The program, which aims to positively influence girls’ perceptions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), tasks students with applying STEM skills to address real-world problems in their communities.
For Amber, a particular issue in her home stood out:
“Mum and Dad would buy fresh food and come home to discover that something they’d bought was already off and had to be thrown out. I liked the idea of trying to solve a problem affecting both the planet, and my family. An eco-friendly solution that saves people money was right up my alley!”
Year 8 teams are paired with University student mentors like Elizabeth, who bring their own expertise to help the students apply STEM skills to research problems and prototype solutions. Elizabeth suggested Amber consider using inexpensive RFID tags as part of her project. These small, cost-effective tags store data, such as the use-by date of the food, and can alert the buyer at checkout if the product is expired.
Amber’s mother, also named Elizabeth, was initially hesitant about Amber’s participation in the program, but was swayed by her daughter’s enthusiasm. It wasn’t until the conclusion of the program that the value of what her daughter was doing became clear.
“At the HunterWiSE Presentation Night, we heard how STEM can make a difference in the community. In Singleton, it’s all about community. I really liked the fact that Amber was part of something that could have a much bigger impact.”
The mentor and mentee relationship yielded success, with Amber taking out a prize for ‘Outstanding Project’ on Presentation Night. The judges praised her solution as "an excellent response to a problem relevant to supermarkets and consumers alike.”
While the program is designed to benefit Year 8 students, Amber’s mother Elizabeth reflects on its wider impact on families and communities:
“HunterWiSE has been really good for our family. It’s helped us to better understand other ways that we can help the community, and how STEM is a pathway to do that.”
For students like Amber who don’t have family members in STEM careers, connecting with female mentors helps foster a sense of belonging in STEM. HunterWiSE’ problem-based approach to learning reinforces the idea that STEM is a way to make a meaningful difference in the community.
The HunterWISE Schools Outreach Program is made possible through the financial and in-kind support received from the University of Newcastle and industry partners. Glencore has supported HunterWiSE activities in the Hunter region since 2017 to provide opportunities for students from high schools in Singleton and Muswellbrook region.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.