Emma Boyd receives the 11th Women of STEM Scholarship
- Jeremy Crooks
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
Emma Boyd has received the Women of STEM scholarship at the Gold Coast Big Day In event on August 14th, 2025. This year the Big Day In will be hosted by Griffith University. The Women of STEM Scholarship program, supported by industry donors, aims to increase the number and visibility of young women entering the STEM field. Emma is starting her studies in a Bachelor of Engineering Honours and Bachelor of Environmental Science.
"I am a passionate change maker, inspired to protect and help our natural environment. So far I have been on a wild journey – from helping launch and create a CubeSat satellite to being elected as a 2025 Queensland Youth parliament member. Throughout school I did heaps of volunteering with Cancer Council Queensland, Landcare Gold Coast and with Earthwatch Australia, helping to protect our precious mangrove ecosystems.", Emma says.
Read more about Emma's journey on the Women of STEM profile page.
In addition to Emma's presentation, the Big Day In allowed local Years 10-12 high school students to hear directly from leaders in Australia's technology sector. The topics for this years conference included:
‘Skills Required to Thrive in an AI World' – Dr Tim Kitchen, Adobe
In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, certain skills will be crucial for success. This presentation by Adobe’s Senior Education Specialist Dr Tim Kitchen will explore the importance of key skills such as creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Dr. Kitchen will explain how these skills can help you thrive in an AI-driven future and will highlight Adobe's commitment to providing ethically safe Gen AI solutions to nurture these abilities.
‘Aviation Careers’ - Cran Middlecoat, That Pilot Guy
From outback runways to international skies, Cran Middlecoat has lived a life of aviation adventure — and now he’s bringing those stories to students. In this engaging and entertaining talk, Cran lifts the curtain on the world of aviation careers, sharing real-world insights, inspiring pathways, and the human side of what it takes to become a pilot or pursue a future in aerospace. With humour, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Cran equips students with tools for resilience, confidence, and curiosity — all through the lens of flight. https://cranmiddlecoat.com.
‘Enabling Careers Through Technology at Woolworths Group’ - Joe Ruddick & Dan Hravie, Woolworths Group
Discover how Woolworths Group is leveraging people technology for attracting & retaining one of the largest workforces across Australia & New Zealand. Learn more about how technology is critical to the development of any organisation's most important asset - their people! - & how learning & development doesn't end once you finish year 12 - it's only the beginning. Joe is a Product Lead & Dan is a Senior Functional Consultant at Woolworths Group. Hear what they do in their roles working for Woolworths & how they got there!
‘Careers in the Australian Defence Forces’ – CAPT Shane Niddrie & CPL Wayne Hayes, ADF Careers
Interested in learning about the wide range of roles available in the Navy, Army & Air Force? Speak with current serving members about job roles, opportunities for further study & more at BiG Day In. Learn more about the roles on offer by visiting the ADF Careers website: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au
‘Full STEM Ahead!’ – Swetha Adaikalavan & Wey Jynn Thoo, Westpac
Wey Jynn is a Technology Graduate, currently working in the Trading Analytics team within Group Treasury. She studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Auckland. She loves working through the challenges that a career in technology brings every day & learning from STEM experts from different backgrounds. Swetha is a 2024 Technology Graduate, currently rotating in DataX, A Westpac Institutional Bank Digital team. She studied a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW. She loves working alongside like-minded individuals, in a challenging yet nurturing environment which allows her to expand behong what she thought she could be.
‘It’s Never About the Tech’ - Kirk Reynoldson, Eggy Work
Kirk Reynoldson is a former NRL player turned tech founder. After retiring from professional sport, he co-founded Eggy with his wife Katie – a startup born from the chaos of family and work life. His story explores the power of obsession over solving problems, your relationship with pain and the unpredictable path to achieving anything you want – even if you don’t come from tech!
‘Opportunities & Pathways in Australia’s Oldest Intelligence Agency’ - Alex, Australian Signals Directorate
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a vital member of Australia’s national security community. We work across the full spectrum of operations required of contemporary signals intelligence & security agencies. This includes foreign intelligence, cyber security & offensive cyber operations supporting the Australian Government & Australian Defence Force (ADF). We employ talented & dedicated people with diverse skills willing to overcome challenges in support of Australia’s interests. ASD is a world-class intelligence, covert effects & cyber security agency because of the talented, inventive & diverse people that comprise the organisation & the innovative technologies they employ.
‘Many Opportunities, One Solution’ - Lachlan Bartlett & Sasha Muratidis, TechnologyOne
Lachlan & Sasha will share their experiences working at TechnologyOne & the opportunities available for those interested in the same journey.
The ACS Foundation is pleased to support opportunities for Australia's upcoming STEM leaders whether that be through the BiG Day In or providing scholarships to help build the next generation.
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