Dozens of clever Year 11 students from the Central West have been commended for excelling in science at the inaugural Victor Chang School Science Award ceremony. One of those students is Sithatshisiwe Ncube from Canowindra High School, a bright young student who has applied herself in chemistry and biology.
“I was surprised”, says a smiling Sitha, who admits that she had not heard of the award before, and is interested in pursuing a career in science, contributing to research projects. “It’s a good thing and I’m really happy about it.” “Thankyou Mrs McKenzie and Mrs Balcombe for nominating me for the award, for helping me find science interesting and making it fun.”
The School Science Awards were established to continue Dr Victor Chang’s legacy and to promote and inspire students of both genders to pursue a career in science or health and medical research. Dr Victor Chang made pioneering contributions to the field of heart transplantation because of his curious and enquiring mind and passion for discovery.
Dr Daniela Stock from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute attended the ceremony to congratulate the winning students and share her insights into why the younger generation should consider a career in science. “If you’re someone who sees something and questions how it works or if you wonder
how you could make a difference in the world, then a career in science is the
perfect opportunity because it gives you this luxury,” said Dr Stock.
“In science, the whole world is there for you to question and you can follow that dream endlessly.” Sitha attended the awards ceremony with her father and other talented science students in the region in Dubbo on Wednesday, and has been invited to tour the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney, learning from world renowned researchers all working towards finding cures for heart disease.