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ECU provides key note at ACS’s Diversity Dinner for 2018 – Champions creating champions in STEM

Friday, 22 February 2019

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  • Dr Michelle Ellis, ACS Diversity Dinner 2018

    Dr Michelle Ellis, December 2018

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On the 8 December 2018, Dr Michelle Ellis from ECU’s School of Science spoke on the importance of gender equality in STEM disciplines at the Australian Computing Society’s annual Diversity Dinner. She referred to the University’s commitment to Athena SWAN and her role in supporting women in ICT through science-based programs.

As part of ECU’s Athena SWAN activities, Dr Ellis has developed several programs that engage female students and male champions who help to promote her STEM and ‘outreach and engagement’ programs. In particular, she noted how they are specifically designed to attract and retain students (particularly female students) in the computer and security sciences.

Based on ECU’s ‘Venus’ research project run by the School of Science in 2015, findings revealed that year 9 and 10 girls knew very little about computer and security science including the skill-set needed to work in the industry which would drive future careers. Therefore, these programs provide opportunities for high school students to engage with role models; gain exposure to different skills needed to work in these fields; and experience activities that showcased different careers related to computer science, cyber security, intelligence and security.

Programs specifically include:

  • Girls Programming Network (GPN) - Girls teaching girls to code;
  • #WomeninSTEM – Girls exploring STEM opportunities;

Other programs which are available to all high school students but encourages female participation includes:

  • WA CodeMakers – After school coding club for high school aged students;
  • COSiM - ECU STEM students who volunteer time to assist high school students obtain knowledge about computer and security science.
  • DigiTech for Schools – Workshops that present the skills, various career opportunities and career pathways related to computing, cyber, intelligence and security.

The success of these programs can be attributed to ECU student ambassadors, alumni and industry volunteers. At every opportunity, female role models and male champions share their experiences, career aspirations and pathways to university. This helps to break down barriers, debunk myths and inspire girls to consider digital technology and security field as a future career.

Dr Michelle Ellis was an ECU Athena SWAN Advancement Scheme recipient in 2017.

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