Science path leads to ACT

For the third year in a row, MacKillop Catholic College has had a student selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum.

Year 11 student Sebastien Roocke will travel to the Australian National University in Canberra next year to learn more about scientific career pathways as he moves into his final year of high school.

Sebastien said he was "chuffed" with himself and had always enjoyed exploring the world in a scientific way.

"I loved the idea of being able to see something, understand how it works and then be able to modify it so it will do something else," he said.

The student said he was fascinated with chemistry and physics, especially quantum physics, which looks more closely at the nature of the universe down to an atomic level.

"Really I enjoy any science, but especially those that allow me to understand and manipulate the world around me," he said.

At the forum Sebastien will be introduced to researchers and scientists who will help guide his plans for a career in the field, and he will also have the chance to take part in discussions relating to current events and issues facing the world.

"I hope to meet new people, come back with a stronger idea of what I want to study and to in general improve my knowledge and broaden my understanding of the world," he said.

Sebastien told the Times he planned on studying mechatronic engineering, which incorporates mechanical, electrical, electronic and computer engineering, but occasionally got interested in studying medicine and working in the bionics industry.

He was selected to attend the forum by Rotary, which has supported the initiative since its inception.