Supporting female high school students to pursue careers in STEMM

For the second year, Charles Sturt University in Bathurst hosted the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge (BRInC), designed to encourage girls interested in STEMM education and careers. Dr Kerry Mann, Lecturer in Exercise Science- Biomechanics in the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, is an academic mentor in the BRInC program and enjoys supporting regional female participation.

“This is not a competition, but rather an initiative to increase awareness and participation among girls in biomechanics-based STEMM and to provide them with access to female role models working in the field, highlighting some of their career possibilities,” Dr Mann said.

As part of the 2023 challenge, three female Year 9 students from Orange High School spent a day with Dr Mann undertaking data collection in the biomechanics lab at the university in Bathurst. Dr Mann is also part of a Charles Sturt research initiative evaluating the impact of this program on girls’ and women’s participation in STEMM.