UWA Bachelor of International Relations student, Leah Macdonald, recently undertook an internship through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship with the Fogarty Foundation, and explored potential pathways to enhance STEM outcomes for WA school students.
“The Fogarty Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organisation dedicated to fostering prosperity and innovation in Western Australia by strengthening education and empowering students to reach their full potential,” Leah explained.
“As a Research and Strategy Support Intern with the Foundation, I was involved with in-depth research into effective national and international models for STEM education, engagement with key industry stakeholders to deepen my understanding, and the identification of best practices that could be adapted to meet Western Australia's unique needs.
“Based on my research I made recommendations that have the potential to influence existing programs, as well as new pilots, funded by the Foundation. They also highlight opportunities for the Foundation to take a leading role in fostering a more coordinated STEM education environment in Western Australia—bringing together key actors in the sector to drive significant improvements in both the quality and accessibility of STEM education for students across the State,” Leah said.
Laura Potts, Program and Communications Manager at the Fogarty Foundation, and Leah’s supervisor acknowledged the impact of her internship efforts:
“Leah’s work has contributed fresh insights, practical recommendations and a deepened understanding of how the Foundation can help drive stronger STEM outcomes across the State. She brought curiosity, rigour and a clear alignment with our mission, which meant her research could be applied directly to our strategic thinking and potential future initiatives.
“Our work at the Fogarty Foundation is focused on the next generation and the future for students and education in WA, so who better to have on board helping us research and think than young people themselves. They need to be involved in developing these ideas and at the table during these conversations, so having Leah – and all of our interns – as part of the team is very valuable to us.”
While the potential positive impact of her internship for the WA community was evident to Leah, she also recognised the value of the experience for her own professional development.
“The internship provided me with a comprehensive perspective on STEM education in Western Australia and has enabled me to apply my existing knowledge of the education system in a practical, strategic context.
“I also learned how to navigate a professional office environment, participating in meetings, developing presentations, and incorporating feedback into my work. These experiences not only built my confidence but also equipped me with practical skills that I can carry into future roles.”
Image: Leah Macdonald with Fogarty Foundation CEO Elizabeth Knight