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Lana Lockhart has always dreamt of becoming a scientist.
We spoke to the Year 12 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) student from San Sisto College Carina for International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11 February) to hear more about her passions.
In 2023, Lana’s dream is closer to being a reality after she was chosen recently to participate in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) Oresome Minds Camp.
Through San Sisto College’s partnership with the QMEA, Lana has also participated in QMEA’s Beaker Bots Build program and STEM Unearthed program.
Lana says as her interest in earth science and engineering grew with the opportunities made available by her school, she began to investigate career paths that combined her interests.
“I enjoy thinking outside of the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems that we face in our daily lives,” she says.
“I am particularly interested in environmental solutions in the resources sector, and more specifically, finding alternative sustainable solutions to current industry practices.
“I believe that the mining and resources sector is critical to our future, and I want to contribute to the innovation and technological advances that are set to transform this industry over the next few decades.
“I would also love to be a part of and see an increase in the number of females pursuing this career.”
Lana says in 2022 she recieved the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Science Ambassador award and was also chosen to be a 2023 QMEA Ambassador.
“This year as QMEA Ambassador, I would love to continue promoting science activities and studies throughout San Sisto College and encourage younger students to take every opportunity by immersing themselves within the field,” she says
San Sisto College Principal Warren Bath expressed the College’s commitment to partnerships which enhance student pathways.
“San Sisto College places a great emphasis on partnering with universities, industry and community organisations, to ensure that our students have opportunities to access learning that is rich, real, and relevant to the pathway they have chosen,” he added.
“The dedicated and experienced staff at our College are committed to engaging in contemporary research to ensure best-practice pedagogy, and students have opportunities to refine and apply their critical thinking skills to real life problem solving.
“We place great value on providing a holistic approach to educating young women by fostering a vibrant, caring, and nurturing learning environment where students are challenged and extended to achieve success.” In March 2023 Lana will also be part of QMEA’s girls mentoring program.