Perth College News

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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Perth College

5 April 2024

Community

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Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, to celebrate the day we would like to introduce some of our talented science teachers.

Head of Science, Sandra Papantoniou, joined our Science Department ten years ago teaching physical sciences. Sandra’s love of science was inspired by her high school science teachers who challenged her imagination and satisfied her natural curiosity as they weaved science into the everyday.

While studying physics at university, with a predominately male cohort Sandra observed women bring a different dynamic to the physical sciences, often viewing the world through a different lens. Sandra’s choice to pursue a career in education is driven by her wish to see that gender and societal norms do not obstruct students from engaging in all science disciplines, particularly in the physical sciences.

“Having female science teachers provides strong and visible role models for our students allowing them to view the world through a lens that is unique to them,” she said.

Dr Ellen Fortini and Dr Gretchen Schrocker are two teachers from our amazing Science Department who have worked in their chosen field of science before transitioning to a career in education. They bring such a wealth of knowledge and experience to our School to share with students.

Dr Ellen Fortini was a research scientist undertaking her PhD in Molecular Biology before becoming a teacher. Following her PhD, Dr Fortini discovered her passion for teaching while working at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in a lab that had been purpose-built for high-school students. This led to her completing teaching qualification and joining Perth College in 2017.

When asked about her proudest moments as a teacher Dr Fortini shared, “When they tell me things I don’t know, that makes me proud, that I’ve been able to inspire a class of people that are passionate about science like I am.”

Dr Gretchen Schrocker has been at Perth College for 19 years and teaches a rare combination of biological and physical sciences. Dr Schrocker said, “I love working at a girls’ school. Students have the confidence and freedom to take risks, share opinions, and ask questions.”

When asked what inspired her to pursue further study in science, Dr Schrocker shares that she was inspired by her Year 11 Human Biology teacher, she said, “I always asked questions that she couldn’t answer, and she was always very positive in assisting me to stretch myself.”

Dr Schrocker holds a Bachelor of Science with a Triple Major in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology. She has also completed an Honors in Molecular Biology, followed by a Doctorate in Molecular Biology.

“I was already enjoying teaching at a tertiary level, I always enjoyed teaching and helping even as a young person and made the decision to become a teacher. I love the light bulb moment, the flash of understanding. I love it when a student will ask a question and the class will start to bounce ideas off each other and solve the problem,” Gretchen said.

At Perth College, we have a strong focus on STEaM initiatives, we provide our students with the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence they will need to explore and develop their careers in the future.