USQ to visit Roma community to promote science

The Roma community has been invited to explore science

A visit to the Roma community by USQ's Faculty of Sciences will not only give students but parents and teachers the chance to explore the opportunities available to them in health, environmental, mathematical, computer and bio sciences.

The visit later this month is part of the Faculty’s Future Link program; an initiative aimed at helping potential students link up with exciting and diverse opportunities in the sciences and also provide teachers with the chance to partner with the Faculty to enhance students’ educational experiences.

A number of activities and information sessions are planned on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 May with USQ academics and education officers from a number of organisations travelling to Roma for the events.

'For students, the Future Links initiative is an aspirational program and a way in which we can encourage students to come to university,' Academic Liaison Officer in the Faculty of Sciences Kay Lembo said.

'On Wednesday we will run a number of workshops at the Roma State College for regional high school students introducing them to the opportunities available to them through science.

'We will also run a professional development activity on Tuesday with the region’s teachers focussing on environmental sustainability.

'This is designed to support them and increase their awareness and understanding in the area.

'Sciences is a difficult area for support in regional and rural areas for teachers and through this initiative we want to provide this for them.

'Representatives from USQ, the Queensland Museum Magnet Schools, Queensland Murray-Darling Committee and Origin Energy will also address the teachers.'

A USQ Future Links community evening will also be held on the Tuesday night for community members.

'USQ’s Dean of Sciences Professor Janet Verbyla will address the community about the Final Links program,' Mrs Lembo said.

In addition, active researchers and research students will provide insights into the wide range of applied research relevant to the community that is carried out in the Faculty.

This is the first in a series of community engagement initiatives planned by the Faculty which may visit St George, Charleville and Goondiwindi later in the year.

'It is a great opportunity for the University to get out in these areas and for parents it can help them be comfortable in sending their children to USQ.'

For more information contact Mrs Lembo on 4687 5619 or 0407 028 182, or by emailing kay.lembo@usq.edu.au 

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or 0400 025 429