Last Sunday, Makadde Ethell’s National Youth Science Forum (NYSF2022) journey continued with the online NYSF Orientation Meeting. Makadde was supported by her family and Mr Foster.

The meeting was a wonderfully exciting and inspiring event where the program of NYSF was outlined and young people spoke about the impact NYSF had on their development as scientists.

NYSF is an amazing opportunity. Makadde will be meeting top scientists from around the world. She will be touring cutting-edge Science facilities and experiencing working Science laboratories. Makadde will have the opportunity to be involved with live crosses to Science organisations and events like CERN in Switzerland, The Science Forum in London and NASA in the U.S.

Following the Orientation meeting, Makadde was interviewed to explore how she became involved with the National Youth Science Forum.

What drew you to applying for NYSF?

I have always had a great interest in Science. I spoke to a previous participating student and she urged me to apply. The student said she really enjoyed the program and she made life-long friends. The student is now at university studying Science and she said that the program helped her a lot.

What interests in Science do you have?

I’m interested in Medical Sciences – Biology and Chemistry. I’m interested in the human body and how it works.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

It depends on whether or not I’m still studying. I might become a doctor or get a PhD in Medical Sciences. I don’t really know where life will take me. If I don’t become a doctor I would like to get into Medical Research.

What are you looking forward to at NYSF?

I’m really looking forward to meeting lots of people with a similar interest as me. I’m looking forward to listening to the Science lectures and meeting famous scientists. I’m going to look at some amazing Science facilities and see some working Science laboratories.

Where did your interest in Science begin?

When I started doing Science in Year 7. I thought it was really interesting. Very different from Primary School. I aced my final exam in Year 7 and this gave me a lot of confidence in studying Science.

Do you have any advice for students who want to get into Science?

Jump on to any extra-curricular activities related to Science that the College offers. Stay on top of your studies. Follow your passions and interests. It’s OK to be a nerd!

The next stage will be for Makadde to register for her Science experiences. The College wishes Makadde all the best for her NYSF experience in January.

Mr Foster

Science Coordinator