Random Acts of Science a winner with the next generation

Let’s hear from Jane Ding about how her experiences in the UQ Science Ambassador program helped spark curiosity in others, built her own confidence, and gave her skills she’ll carry into a future career in medicine.

What school did you attend and when were you a UQ Science Ambassador?

I attended Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) and was a UQ Science Ambassador in 2021.

What types of activities did you deliver as an Ambassador?

As a UQ Science Ambassador, I helped out with the Kids STEM Convention Inspiration Day at UQ, where I guided students in Years 5-9 around the campus, helping them navigate between workshops while also having conversations with them about what they had learned and ideas for their upcoming projects. Alongside my fellow Ambassadors, I also assisted with setting up workshops and activities for the students during Inspiration Day.

Back at school, I took an active role in promoting and delivering activities during National Science Week, helping to run workshops and interactive sessions. I also helped to coordinate student initiatives during the school semester such as the Random Acts of Science, where we organised fun, engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage students from all backgrounds to explore the science behind everyday phenomena.

Can you share the details of a successful activity and how you ran it?

One of the activities I helped run as part of the Random Acts of Science initiative was an interactive game called Pin the Organ on the Body. In this activity, students worked in teams to place cut-outs of internal organs on a human torso outline, testing and applying their knowledge of anatomy. I helped design and create the cut-outs in the weeks prior to the workshop as well as managing the setup of the workshop station on the day. I guided students through the activity by asking open-ended questions and encouraging them to explain their reasoning. After they placed the organs, I would give them feedback on their choices as well as explain to them how the location and structure of each organ relates to their function.

It was incredibly rewarding to see students actively engaged and discussing possible positions with each other, and their excitement when they learned how the anatomy of each organ supports its function made the experience especially meaningful.

What was the highlight of your time as a UQ Science Ambassador?

The highlight of my time as a UQ Science Ambassador was seeing science come to life through hands-on, interactive activities that we brought to the school community—especially moments like simulating virus spread through infection dodgeball or creating drinkable fizzy chemistry concoctions that students really enjoyed. It was incredibly rewarding to see students light up with curiosity and excitement as they engaged with scientific concepts in fun and accessible ways. Working alongside my teachers and fellow Ambassadors to share my passion for science in a way that makes an impact on others made the experience truly memorable.

Describe an activity that didn’t go so well and why?

While guiding the students around the UQ campus during the Kids STEM Convention Inspiration Day, it suddenly started raining heavily. The unexpected downpour caused a bit of a chaos—some students began separating from the group to seek shelter, which made it difficult to keep everyone together and maintain control of the situation. On top of ensuring the safety of the students, I was also responsible for getting them to their next workshop, which we were already running late for as we were behind schedule.

How did you manage that at the time?

Amid the chaos, I tried to stay calm and quickly called out to the scattering students, urging them to keep following me. I quickly led the students to the closest covered area for shelter and asked them to stay there while I looked for the remaining students. After retracing our steps and searching around, I managed to locate the remaining students and guide them back to the covered area where the rest of the students were. Once we regrouped, I reassured the students and helped them stay calm, then as the rain started to stop, I guided them safely and promptly to the next location.

The experience taught me how important it is to stay calm, adapt under pressure, and ensure that everyone in my care is safe and accounted for, especially when taking care of younger students in unpredictable situations.

What skills did you develop as a UQ Science Ambassador that have helped at uni or might translate to a career post-university?

Through this role, I developed valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Whether it was simplifying complex scientific ideas for younger students or collaborating with a team of fellow Aambassadors and teachers to organise large-scale events, I learned how to communicate clearly, think on my feet, and work effectively with others.

These experiences have helped me become more confident in articulating my thoughts and presenting them in ways that are both engaging and easy to understand—skills that have been especially helpful during university presentations and group discussions. My experience collaborating with others as a UQ Science Ambassador has also made university group projects more enjoyable, as I now see them as a chance to connect with others and build meaningful working relationships. These are all essential skills that I will carry forward as I work toward a career in medicine, where clear communication, teamwork, and adaptability are critical to providing effective patient care.

What advice would you give to current UQ Science Ambassadors?

My advice would be to embrace every opportunity to engage with others and make science accessible in fun and interactive ways. As a Science Ambassador, you have a unique opportunity to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning in those around you. Whether you're guiding students at science forums or conventions, running workshops during National Science Week, or starting your own student-driven initiatives at your school, take the time to connect with students, listen to their ideas, and encourage them to explore scientific concepts beyond the classroom. You never know whose passion you might help ignite, just by showing how exciting and meaningful science can be.