International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a great time to celebrate for a trio of scientists working at the Australian Government’s national authority on measurement.
Julia Vu, Jessica Todorovski and Annalee Morrison are completing the Australian Public Service (APS) STEM Graduate program at the National Measurement Institute (NMI).
‘It’s the people, a willingness to share expertise and the opportunities,’ they all said when asked, what the best thing about the program was.
Julia completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne before starting the STEM Graduate program at NMI. She was ‘blown away’ by the amount, variety, and scope of work that the NMI does. Access to top-tier experts from a range of fields, ‘gave me many unique experiences’, Julia said.
The NMI provides a supportive, collegiate, and constructive learning environment. ‘I came into the program not knowing what to expect, and have loved every minute of it,' Annalee said. As a part of the Graduate STEM program, Annalee has worked in the NMI Analytical Services Branch. Having studied genetics and human pathology at Monash University Annalee said she loved getting back into the lab, adding that ‘it is definitely not an experience you can get from uni’.
Jessica, completed a Forensic Science degree at the University of Technology, Sydney. ‘I have been able to develop technical laboratory skills I did not have the opportunity to do at university due to online learning from COVID lockdowns.’ As a STEM graduate at NMI, Jessica has been able to take advantage of practical, real-world experiences. She has worked on projects inside Australia’s peak measurement laboratories.
The APS STEM Graduate programs, run by our department, offer graduate students access to world-class experts across a number of science disciplines. For university graduates the program offers an insight into future science careers. Offering experiences covering a range of skills and jobs. NMI also offers a range of student opportunities, including vocational placements, work experience and the 'Year in Industry' program.