Acting Inspector Donna Stewart hopes to inspire kids to follow forensic career, Queensland Police says
A new not-for-profit book series aims to educate and inspire kids about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Each of the ‘That’s RAD! Science’ books explains a different scientific career in a fun, engaging way, using stories to show kids how the career works, and providing activities, quizzes and hands-on science.
Acting Inspector Donna Stewart, QPS Forensic Manager for the South East Area, is the author of ‘Our Mum is a Forensic Scientist’, the third book in the series.
The book introduces children to the unique role of QPS members like Acting Inspector Stewart, who is both a police officer and a scientist.
It also explains DNA and fingerprinting and shows how forensic science helps solve mysteries and identify offenders – even if the offence is just ‘tracking mud all over the carpet’!
Acting Inspector Stewart earned a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Master of Science (Forensic Science) from Griffith University and has served as a forensic scientist at the QPS for more than 10 years.
For Acting Inspector Stewart, these books are a great way to show kids the variety of ways science can be used.
"It advocates for children to consider science as a career, and to realise they can join the QPS and use their science qualifications within the organisation," Acting Inspector Stewart said.
"A lot of my colleagues in Forensic Services Group have taken them home and love that they can give their children a better idea of what they do at work.
"I want kids to know that if they’re interested in one day working in forensics, the QPS is a great employer to help realise that dream."
Acting Inspector Stewart thinks these books will also get children investigating and inquiring in their everyday lives.
"Hopefully they can learn a bit more about how police use science to solve crimes and maybe they can start to look at potential evidence in their own environments," she said.
The books were given out to attendees of the Brisbane Science Festival last weekend, and an official launch event is on the horizon.
‘That’s RAD! Science’ is an initiative of Griffith University, and the publication of this book was assisted by an Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant from the Queensland Government and funding from the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
