Toowoomba Anglican School student Fleur Steen selected for Curious Minds science technology engineering mathematics program

A Toowoomba student who was selected to participate in a competitive nationwide program has opened up about her experiences and why she’s passionate about women pursuing a career in STEM.

Whether it’s science, technology, engineering or mathematics, Fleur Steen has always thrived in STEM subjects.

So when the Toowoomba Anglican School student was encouraged to apply for the Curious Minds program, she was ecstatic to hear she was one of 120 girls nationwide to be selected.

About 500 year 9 and 10 students from across the country applied for the project which aims to empower girls who are passionate about STEM.

Local student Fleur Steen from Toowoomba Anglican School is one of 120 girls selected for Curious Minds, a STEM program for female student in year 9 and 10 from regional, rural and low socio-economic areas across Australia. Picture: Nev Madsen

Those selected will go on to complete a virtual and Adelaide-based camp, where they will meet like-minded women, learn about opportunities in STEM and be assigned a female mentor excelling in the field.

“It’s a nationwide program, so (when I applied) I thought ‘how could a little girl from Toowoomba possibly get in’, so when I did I felt so honoured,” Fleur said.

“I was always determined to do medicine, but this program has already broadened my sense of STEM careers I never knew existed, like industrial chemistry.”

Coming from a line of engineers and software developers, Fleur said her parents were proud to see her following in their footsteps.

Despite being the only female to attend several competitions in technology, coding and robotics, Fleur said the boys have always welcomed her, but she would like to see more women consider the field.

According to the 2022 STEM Equity Monitor, 41 per cent of young women believe they’re not smart enough to pursue a career in the field – a statistic the program aims to change.

With a lack of confidence being one of the key reasons, only 21 per cent of girls plan to work in STEM, compared to 42 per cent of boys.

“I think some women may feel intimidated by it because of all the boys,” she said.

“Women can bring a different perspective to challenges and it’s great to see a field women traditionally didn’t pursue becoming more normalised in society and programs like this really help with that.”

Local student Fleur Steen from Toowoomba Anglican School is one of 120 girls selected for Curious Minds, a STEM program for female student in year 9 and 10 from regional, rural and low socio-economic areas across Australia. Picture: Nev Madsen

TAS science teacher David Parrington said Fleur had always been a “highly inquisitive and enthusiastic student”.

“(Fleur) genuinely wants to make a difference to the world through science and technology,” he said.

“She not only is highly intelligent and hardworking, but also has a very good heart which is important for all scientists in this day and age.”

With a particular liking of science, the 15-year-old Toowoomba student was looking at studying an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy or biochemistry, before progressing to medicine.

Ultimately, she would like to become a doctor or medical researcher.

After completing the virtual camp, Fleur said she is looking forward to travelling to Adelaide next July.