“I won an award for Science,” Kaylee told us when I asked her about what sparked her desire to pursue a career in science. “I had a really good Biology teacher in high school. He told me I could make a big difference in the medical field through science. That’s when I knew I wanted to study science.” 

Kaylee Ahern is a promising young scientist who is now pursuing a biomedical science degree at the University of Southern Queensland, despite the hurdles the COVID-19 pandemic has created for the hands-on elements of her course.  

Kaylee’s passion for science was sparked at a young age, when she won awards for science at school. Kaylee’s talents were not limited to just one subject; she also considered studying Psychology as that interested her as well, but it was her desire to help people in a medical capacity that led her to science. 

Pursuing Science Despite Physical Boundaries 

Upon leaving high school, young Kaylee decided to accept a place at an online Microbiology course at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). “I wasn’t sure if I could study in-person,” she said. “I thought it would be a really good choice because it’s smaller and I could study online and attend labs in-person.”

Of course, this thinking turned out to be even more fortuitous with global pandemic. She started her course at the beginning of 2020, and just a few months later USQ actually closed their campuses – even for science students. 

“It’s hard to study online,” Kaylee said. “We still have labs and residential schools. Learning microbiology online is really difficult because you can’t see it and you’re learning online. You’re not able to be hands-on all the time.” 

More Women in Science 

We’ve talked to many young women pursuing scientific careers, and we’re gradually hearing that there are more and more women enrolling in scientific degrees and finding equality in scientific careers. 

“There are many women studying and teaching science [at USQ],” she said. Out of her four subjects this semester, only one is taught by a man. The other three have female lecturers with PhDs. “We even have a guest lecturer who has been published in [over] 50 research papers.” 

A Future in Neuroscience

Kaylee’s interest in genetics and brain function remained throughout her studies at USQ, and she intends to minor in Psychology. She made this decision because she knew it would expand her career prospects, as well as allowing her to branch out into another subject she was passionate about. As a scientist with a background in Neuroscience and Microbiology, Kaylee knew she would have a niche qualification that would allow her to take some fascinating job opportunities in the future.

“In the future, I want to do research,” she said. “I love neuroscience and [understanding] how the brain works.” 

Despite the challenges 2020 has faced us all with, Kaylee’s first semester went well, and all her lecturers stepped up to ensure students didn’t fall behind. That first semester was spent largely alone, but they were able to go to class for the second, which has given Kaylee the opportunity to make friends. 

“Semester two has been harder academically, but so much better because I’ve been participating in classes. People inspire me to ask more questions. Sometimes I think I sound silly, but some of my classmates thanked me for asking the questions they also wanted to ask.” 

First to Attend University 

Kaylee is the first member of her family to attend university, and what a start she has made already. Her family are, unsurprisingly, extremely proud of her and are looking forward to seeing her next steps in her career. 

Studying at a smaller university hasn’t hindered her progress, but helped her. “You get more support,” Kaylee said. “Smaller classes mean that professors [can] help you in every way. In high school people told me I would be on my own and lecturers [wouldn’t] answer questions. At [USQ], they’re so willing to help.” 

As a young woman, Kaylee knows the importance of female role models, and she hopes to act as a role model for younger women in future years. She notes that asking questions has played a big part in helping her to feel empowered and knowledgeable. Kaylee comments that no question is silly or irrelevant, and that other young women should absolutely pursue science if that is what they’re passionate about. She knows that, right now, science tends to be somewhat of a male-dominated profession, and she hopes to see that change in her lifetime. “My female classmates are doing well. I don’t know if anyone knows where they want to go yet, but everyone is excited about science.” 

When asked for final parting advice for girls hoping to study science at university, Kaylee said: “Work really hard. Don’t expect it to be a breeze. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Even if you think it’s a silly question, ask [it].” 

Kaylee hopes to help eliminate misconceptions in the general public about their health, especially because there has been so much confusion surrounding COVID-19. Kaylee can’t wait to get back on campus to continue her study in her next semester.