Key points
- CSIRO's Deadly in Generation STEM and the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy have supported Kilarni to travel the country, learn about culture and STEM and build lifelong friendships.
- She's had opportunities to explore STEM while continuing her studies.
- Kilarni is an active member of the CSIRO Youth Reference Council and says CSIRO programs helped her to discover interests, develop skills and realise her future.
When an Aboriginal Education Officer at Kilarni's school suggested the CSIRO Deadly in Generation STEM camp, neither imagined the journey that had been put in motion. 
Kilarni is a proud young Aboriginal woman living on Yuin Country, on the southeast coast of Australia. She hadn't heard of CSIRO before that moment. Now she's a member of the national science agency's CSIRO Youth Reference Council.
Along the way, Kilarni has travelled the country, learned about culture, increased her knowledge of STEM and built new networks.
Through the Deadly in Generation STEM program , Kilarni joined an immersive student experience on-Country that supports students to strengthen their cultural pride, community connections and aspiration to pursue STEM pathways.
"We had an amazing group of people, both students and leaders as well as local community members and Elders who came to speak with us. I learnt so much during the week program, and have made lifelong friends and connections," Kilarni said.
More than that, it lit a fire. 
An inspired Kilarni was determined to continue her STEM exploration. She successfully applied for the CSIRO Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy (STEM Academy) - a national program for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women from high school through to various tertiary pathways and into graduate employment providing mentorship, leadership opportunities and STEM experiences.
Although only joining at the start of 2026, Kilarni credits the STEM Academy with offering support and opportunities.
"I have already been lucky enough to attend a STEM Camp with my cohort, attend National Assemblies and have regular meetings with my Academic Coordinator, who has supplied me with endless opportunities to grow in the field of STEM, and support me in my studies," she said.
Kilarni now also holds a seat as a CSIRO Youth Reference Council member, a national group of diverse young Australians aged 13-18 spanning seven states and territories. The Council works in partnership with CSIRO to provide advice, insight and lived experience on projects that affect young people.
Kilarni said attending the CSIRO Youth Reference Council AGM in Brisbane was a highlight, sharing her voice and learning about other perspectives.
"The Council is amazing, with people from diverse backgrounds, and has allowed me to be heard as well as be exposed to a variety of different points of views," Kilarni shared.
If you can see it, you can be it
#WithSTEMYouCan advocate and CSIRO environmental scientist and mentor Kyah Chewing has been one of the inspirations for Kilarni to pursue a future in marine biology. Kyah is currently undertaking a PhD in marine ecology at Wollongong University.
"Over the years I have been lucky enough to speak to Kyah and learn about her journey with CSIRO and marine science. Kyah is inspiring in many ways, particularly for me because she was once in a similar situation to the situation I'm in now, coming from the same school, both being Aboriginal and having a passion for science," Kilarni said. 
"Kyah's story is so inspiring because it shows how her hard work and dedication in her early days at school has paid off. It is also a story that I admire because she didn't know what she wanted to do straight away but got out in the world and gained experience that would later help her."
Kyah said programs such as Deadly in Generations STEM inspire Indigenous youth to dream big, choose their own pathways and build an exciting vision for their future in STEM.
"Having the opportunity to mentor young women has been incredibly rewarding. I see a lot of myself in them, and it's inspiring to watch their determination, passion, and willingness to embrace opportunities, connect with mentors, and take ownership of their education and future. The young women inspire me too," Kyah said.
Aspirations for the future
After school Kilarni hopes to continue studying science, particularly environmental science. 
"I think that science has already opened so many doors for me and I hope to continue learning in this area so that I can make a positive impact," she said.
Why programs like these are so important
Kilarni is passionate about encouraging other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to pursue STEM pathways.
"These programs offer far more than STEM experiences alone. These experiences show that STEM is for everyone, while also helping students connect with culture, build character and confidence and create lifelong friendships," said Kilarni.
"I think it's important for all Indigenous students to consider a career in STEM because it opens so many opportunities and allows them to make a positive difference in their communities and the environment.
"Even if you're not sure STEM is the career for you, trying these programs can help you discover new interests, develop valuable skills and realise what's possible for your future."
