Imogen Sell has been recognised for her extraordinary achievements as she is named one of 60 STEM Girl Power Ambassadors in Queensland.
The Bundaberg State High School student is kicking goals with her academic achievements this year, including placing in the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards and she will soon travel to Japan as part of a STEM Japan Global Student Program.
Imogen hopes to inspire young females to show an interest in the traditionally male-dominated industries of science, engineering and mathematics as she believes girls can do anything.
Bundaberg State High School Deputy Principal Dan O’Brien said Imogen had been involved in many school activities such as the Science Roadshow and she also had an interest in psychology and research.
“This made Imogen a clear candidate to be selected as STEM Girl Power Ambassador for our school,” Dan said.
“Around 60 students from all regions of Queensland were selected to participate in the annual STEM Girl Power Camp.”
Imogen said she found the camp to be an amazing experience and she was lucky to meet so many likeminded girls from all over Queensland.
“I’m empowered that girls can strive and pursue their interests and dreams in any field they want.
“On my first night of camp, I was lucky enough to be chosen from my application to be the camp ambassador to meet and greet the Queensland Government Education minister Grace Grace.”
Recently Imogen learnt she was accepted to be part of the STEM Japan Global Student Program to Hiroshima and Kyoto.
She will undertake a 14-day program in December, experiencing school life and visiting cultural and historical sites in Japan.
The trip will improve language proficiency of the participating students whilst they engage in industry visits, observing real life examples of science, technology, engineering and mathematics applications.
UQ Young Achievers Scholarship
Imogen’s academic achievements were also acknowledged when she was awarded the UQ Young Achievers Scholarship.
The scholarship supports tertiary study and career aspirations for senior secondary school students with academic potential from underrepresented group.
Imogen said the financial commitment of her further education was daunting.
“This scholarship will go towards moving to Brisbane and associated costs for my future studies,” she said.
Mentoring, on-campus experiences, personal growth and leadership development opportunities are also provided through the scholarship program.
Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Award
In June, Imogen was one of the Bundaberg State High School's Never Forget duo, that placed second in the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Award.
The Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, by helping students in the Bundaberg Region unlock their problem-solving potential and take their big technology ideas to the next level.
Career aspirations
Deputy Principal Dan O’Brien said Imogen’s work ethic and personal initiative have produced amazing achievements this year.
“She deserves all of the credit and acknowledgments that have come her way,” Dan said.
“Through this success, Imogen has put herself on a pathway that will bring her nothing but success in the future.
Imogen said she would like to follow her interest in psychology as a career path and has held this passion for some time.
“I worry at times that I must decide for my life career, but I realise you can just choose for now and things may change over time,” she said.
“One of the scientists I met during the STEM Girl Power Camp explained that the careers that we will be doing, may not have been created yet.”
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