Bianca Capra has always been excited and passionate about engineering.
At preschool, she would often be found constructing Lego sculptures or building in the sandpit.
Her skills in STEM have led to a thrilling career as an aerospace engineer, with experience in areas ranging from high-speed atmospheric and interplanetary flight, to generating practical solutions to reduce the energy use of the built environment.
Now a Women in STEM Ambassador at the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Dr Capra has been sharing her passion to encourage young women to explore an engineering career.
"I think we need our visible role models to show all of our young people that there is a pathway for us all in STEM," she said.
Fellow Women in STEM Ambassador, Gleny Chirima, grew up being the only female in her engineering classes.
Dr Chirima reflected on the importance of role models during her own career journey.
"It was really important to see somebody who has gone through what I've gone through and could shape me. I want to extend that to other women in STEM," she said.
Shanae Lay said a key driver in her role as a Women in STEM Ambassador was her belief that STEM was for everyone, regardless of their gender.
"Right now the statistics are showing that the accessibility isn't quite there for women, and I would really like to change that," Ms Lay said.
'By encouraging more women to engage in STEM, we strive towards securing a workforce which better represents the talent across our nation.'
The Ambassadors have played a vital role in promoting female interest in STEM roles at Defence.
They have represented at a range of STEM outreach and engagement programs including;
Science Alive, Avalon, panel discussions, university and high school outreach events, and talks to regional school students.
During these events, the Ambassadors have promoted Defence STEM pathways for women, including the Defence graduate program, cadetship program, and industry experience program, as well as encouraging young women with a passion for STEM to explore a career in the field.
Having the opportunity to engage and speak with school students has been a highlight for the Ambassadors.
"I would love to see more students in schools, especially females, doing STEM subjects which result in a career," Dr Chirima said.
"We need to work at the grassroots, catch them young, and build up a pipeline into STEM roles.
"If we can make a difference for just one student out there, to give them the encouragement and the support to pursue STEM and have a go, then I think that's a huge success."
The Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro, said it was clear the deep impact female STEM professionals brought to DSTG and to Defence more broadly.
"By encouraging more women to engage in STEM, we strive towards securing a workforce which better represents the talent across our nation," Professor Monro said.
The Ambassadors hoped the advocacy work they had achieved during their 12-month tenure would pave the way for the future female STEM force.
"The path is there for us to forge and maybe we don't limit ourselves to just one path, and instead we build a forest," Dr Capra said.
