Over the summer holidays I attended WiE Can and the UC Summer Science Camp both held at the University of Canterbury.

At the science camp we explored all the different sciences on offer at UC. We spent three days on campus doing workshops run by our RA’s (Residential Assistants from the Halls of Residence) and teaching staff at the University of Canterbury. We were also researching for our projects that we would present on the last day. We spent one day at the Cass Field station doing workshops and went on a tour at Castle Hill to learn about the geology and history of it. My group researched alternative methods to move fish from areas to avoid overpopulation, and we were awarded “most creative” presentation due to our song and dance.

WiE Can is an engineering camp held each year, for young women interested in STEM and engineering. We spent the week learning about all of the different types of engineering available at UC. Similar to the science camp, we had hands-on workshops and got to learn from different lecturers and teaching staff in the Engineering Department. One of the highlights for me was getting to design and make my own rocket, which was then launched by aerospace engineering students.

I really enjoyed both of these experiences and it was great to meet people with similar interests to me and learn about what life and uni could/will be like. 

By Annabel Ludgate