The Professional Me

This is the final year of my Masters in Qualitative Research in Public Health at the University of Sydney. I embarked on this journey 3 years ago because I realised my passion for science communication/education have never diminished.

It all started 7 years ago when I was working for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) as a Science Education Officer. I would teach extra-curricular scientific programs to students ranging from pre-school to Year 12 students.

Most of the school holiday programs offered by the CSIRO were only available in the middle- to higher- SES areas because these areas had higher participation rates in the past, unlike low-SES areas where interests in these extra-curricular activities were minimal. This resulted in extra-curricular offerings in science to be almost non-existent in the low-SES areas. In terms of bookings for school scientific programs during school hours in the school classrooms, a large percentage of the bookings were from the higher-SES areas. Students from the higher-SES areas were interested in the scientific concepts taught and could understand the content presented, however students from lower-SES areas found the scientific concepts difficult to understand and the students showed a lack of interest in the scientific contents taught. I guess seeing this discrepancy right in front of my eyes was very confronting and very saddening. I believe in social equality and that is why I’m undertaking this Masters.

I wanted to use the skills I gained in Qualitative Research to help with my future PhD project that deals with in-depth understanding of how SES can affect scientific learning and scientific literacy.

So with my remaining elective subjects I have decided to take a few subjects in the Education Faculty. Thus far it has been really interesting, and a little hard having to learn the different terminologies and background information.

In my professional life, I work for NSW Health as a Policy Officer. My office looks after the health and medical research in the State. So it is great that I’m still able to draw on my scientific background.

I think I will continue to be a perpetual student, because I enjoy learning. When I’m back doing different uni courses I feel that I’m using my mind and not idling. Even though it requires a fair amount of my time which often means late night/early mornings, but it helps me grow as a person.