The Step Up team is delighted to announce that three outstanding science education students from our partner universities will represent Queensland pre-service science teachers at the 2015 National Science Teachers Summer School.

Melissa Blacklock (QUT), Gabby Gilmore (University of Queensland) and Gemma Sardoni (Griffith University) will be travelling to Canberra in January to attend the National Science Teachers Summer School and visit several scientific establishments in the ACT. This award is fully sponsored by the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) in partnership with Step Up, and includes membership with the Science Teachers’ Association of Queensland (STAQ).

Melissa Blacklock – Queensland University of Technology

Melissa has just completed her third year of a BEd (Secondary) degree at QUT, majoring in Biology and English. She engages in community service and leadership both inside and out of university, and is part of the QUT National Exceptional Teachers for Disadvantaged Schools Program. Melissa looks forward to teach around Australia and the world following graduation.

Gabby Gilmore – The University of Queensland

Gabby has recently finished her third year of a dual BSc / BEd (Secondary) degree at UQ. She grew up on a citrus farm on the Sunshine Coast, which no doubt contributed to her decision to study Plant Science as a major and Earth and Environmental Science as a minor. Gabby is keen to follow in the footsteps of her own high school science teacher, who she describes as very passionate and highly knowledgeable.

Gemma Sardoni – Griffith University

After completing her BASc (Oral Health) degree in 2008, Gemma has worked in the private dental sector. However, it was her role as the university educator for a commercial dental health company that sparked her passion for teaching. In 2014 Gemma commenced a part-time Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at GU. Her teaching areas are Science, including Senior Biology, along with Health and Physical Education.

Gabby, Gemma and Melissa will keep us informed during their participation at the National Science Teachers Summer School, and will bring back their insights to share with pre-service teacher peers and teacher educators at Queensland universities. We look forward to keeping you posted along the way.

For further information please contact Julia Davies, Step Up Project Officer.