Abbie’s following her passion for STEM

Forensics has long been a big passion for Abbie, who is one of four Victorian students selected for the Young Future Shapers program.

“I applied for the forensics class [at school] as an elective. And, as soon as I got in the class, I really enjoyed it,” Abbie said.

She’s passionate about understanding how the human brain works to commit crimes.

“And how it affects not only the victim, but everyone around them,” she said.

The Cobram Secondary College student applied for the program in March, with the encouragement of her science teacher, George Allen.

“I’m very grateful that Mr Allen came to me to write an application,” Abbie said.

As part of the program, Abbie will travel to Adelaide to join other curious minds like hers on a camp later this year.

The program aims to connect students with real-world STEM applications, network with peers and learn from industry experts. It is supported by the CSIRO and the BHP Foundation.

“I think it’s a phenomenal opportunity for Abbie,” Mr Allen said.

“In our community, we are absolutely blessed to have a number of exceptional young women and girls who are passionate about STEM and ... who really are defying what is happening nationally to represent Cobram on a far bigger stage than what our isolation and population would suggest that we should be able to.

“I think she’s going to have a great opportunity, not only as part of the CSIRO Future Shapers, but I think she’s grown into an incredible young leader in our community, and we’re really proud to see that she may be someone who’s able to inspire others coming through in younger years.”