Episode 04, #GetChatty About Your Local Businesses, Series 2024
I chatted with Dr Jennifer Payne, a biochemist and molecular biologist who launched STEMPals, a non-profit program designed to connect grades 5 and 6 students with professionals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through exchanging hand-written letters.
We talked about the program’s impact on students and teachers; and how curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking can help build the base for a STEM future (or any other future). The best thing, in my opinion, is that a relatively small commitment from STEM professionals (about 4 hours a year) can make a difference in a young person’s potential. At the same time, the teachers and the professionals can also feel re-energised/sparked about their careers.
Listen on Spotify:
or Watch on YouTube:
Jump to time codes – Meet the guest 02:06 | Deep dive 13:40 | Quickfire Randoms 27:51
This is the new edit version, including my top 3s below, the original version was released in 13 March 2024.
- The stories about the student sending a Styrofoam cup to their researcher in Antarctica and the slice of bread in a zip-lock bag are engaging stories and show how the act of engagement can help spark a want to learn and make science more relatable for younger people.
- Throughout the episode, Jen highlights the benefits of the hand-written format because it’s a good way to build a connection between students and scientists, and for the students to visualise themselves as potential scientists.
- One of Jen’s MOs in setting up STEMpals is helping diversify STEM professionals in the future. Changing perception is an important step to help diversify no matter which sector you’re in, and I think it helps build support in general; she won my support!
Find the STEMpals:
https://stempals.org.au/
LI: STEMpals by Curiosity Factory linkedin.com/company/stempals
ABC coverage: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/vic-statewide-mornings/stem-pals-jen-payne/102859704
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Produced and hosted by Arthur Chan “The Chatty Curator”
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