In total, we had 8 STEMM site visits, which gave me insight into the various career pathways in STEMM. Firstly, we travelled to MPI, which is a Research Organisation that works closely with the NZ Defence Force to protect NZ citizens and wildlife from potentially threatful pathogens. On Tuesday, NIWA showed us the diversity of the research conducted in their organisation. We discovered how Isotopes in an organism’s environment have the ability to show us an organism’s patterns, as well as their High Performance Computing Facility to store and analyse data. Furthermore, at FNZ we explored the Technology and Mathematics aspects of STEMM, and how ‘DAN’ models can affect Large Language Models, such as Chat GPT, and
how we interact with it.
A key highlight of the week for me was our Site Visit at the Otago University Campus located in Wellington Hospital. We investigated various aspects of medicine, such as Radiation Therapy, Research Laboratory Facilities (we tested for protein within Cancer cells), Pathology Laboratory, as well as the practice of Emergency and Surgery, where we practised CPR and Sutured up a Banana.
On Thursday, we had the opportunity to be introduced to two Research Institutions: Callaghan Innovation and Robinson Research Institute. At Callaghan Innovation, we had the opportunity to visit PhD student’s Research, a 3D Sound experience and Anechoic Chamber as well as NZ’s only Measurement Unit Facility.
With the Robinson Research Institute, we used our innovative skills to design and construct Solar Powered Cars, and this culminated into a competition to see which car travelled the furthest. Unfortunately, my group’s car decided to not work at the last minute due to problems with our switch. Nevertheless, we enjoyed working with other like-minded individuals. On the last day of our Site Visits we visited WSP and Fraser Engineering. WSP provided us with a new understanding of our Water Management Systems, as well as how Building Structure is tested in the Wind Tunnel. We noticed at Fraser Engineering how vital it is for women to enter and change the Engineering Workforce from being 
entirely male-dominated.
We also had the experience of listening to a hard-working and inspirational speaker, Laurie Winkless, who has done immense work in the field of physics, and communicating science to the public. I gained confidence that I have the ability to pursue and accomplish what I desire in the field of Scientific Research and Laurie Winkless mentioned that we should always remain curious.
Throughout the week, we also engaged in an Innovation Challenge, where our task was to create an adaptive solution to Climate Change. Our group worked on implementing Bladeless Wind Turbines and Harnessing the Hurricane Wind Power to supply energy to the NZ citizens in times of emergency. I particularly enjoyed seeing our team develop strong bonds with each other, as well as how each member’s strengths and knowledge shaped our whole project.
One message I learned throughout this week was the importance of following your passion. Your generous sponsorship has allowed me to experience these life-changing moments and understand the world around me. I very much appreciate the supportive work that the Port Nicholson Rotary together with IRANZ has done to help young women enter the STEMM workforce.
Attached to this email, I have added photos to highlight some of my
experiences at the IYM Residential Program.
I look forward to sharing my experiences with the Club Members later this year.
With thanks and appreciation,
Kind Regards,
Lopa Mistry
