Danielle Kutchel
A Nossal High School student is on track to achieve her dream of a career in science, thanks to a helping hand from the Inner Wheel Club of Narre Warren.
Mint Inchomnan was the recipient of the club’s inaugural Supporting Girls in STEM award, presented earlier this month.
She received $1,000 to put towards the cost of studying at university next year.
The Year 12 student said it was an honour to be selected for the award, which will help her complete her education and work towards a career in science.
She’s looking to enrol in a Bachelor of Science at either the University of Melbourne or Monash University in 2022.
“Not only does this relieve so much financial stress, but it is also a huge encouragement to stay strong in pursuing my goals,” Mint said.
STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – has long been an area of interest for Mint, and she took up VCE Maths Methods, Biology and Chemistry to finish school.
“There’s so many interesting things to learn and discover. Learning about biology and chemistry has really opened my eyes to the world we live in which has been so fascinating,” she said.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEM education and careers, which is something Inner Wheel Narre Warren hopes to change through their award.
President Linda Wallace said the award was born out of an idea from member Diana Farmer, after the club’s successful fundraising for cord blood research earlier this year.
Diana wanted to help support women to enter the STEM field and continue to undertake important scientific research. She was encouraged by her grandson who told her he knew of girls who needed such support.
“Around the same time, I had met a young lady named Priya Naidu who was a scientist undertaking research with stem cells. She told me how difficult it was for her to pursue her chosen career in the sciences as a female living in Singapore,” Linda recalled.
The project also tied in with International Inner Wheel’s themes for the year, ‘Pink First’ and ‘Strong Women Stronger World’.
“It was a simple idea but a powerful one, to support a year 12 female student studying STEM,” Linda said.
The club partnered with Nossal based on its broad science program and location in the heart of the club’s community.
The award recipient was selected based on academic ability, enthusiasm for the sciences and a genuine desire to pursue further studies in STEM.
Teachers at Nossal presented a short list of students and the club met with nominees, including Mint, over Zoom.
Linda said the club’s members were impressed by Mint’s interview and the amazing academic results she achieved despite the impact of Covid on her final two years at school.
She said the club was proud to support Mint and would watch her studies and career with interest.
Nossal High School principal Roger Page congratulated Mint on her achievement.
“It’s really impressive and we’re really thankful to the Inner Wheel Club for this excellent initiative encouraging girls to take more interest in STEM.
“Mint will benefit from this greatly – she’s an excellent student and will make very good use of the additional support, both financial and moral, that Inner Wheel are showing.”
