Our Ambassadors

Hugh Durrant-Whyte - NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer

The problems our society faces today – like global pandemics, environmental disasters and management of scarce resources – seem greater and loom larger than ever before. I believe that for Australia to rise to these challenges, we need a strong and collaborative scientific community.

The Association of Science Education Technicians NSW (ASET) is an important part of this community. It provides professional development and support to our lab science technicians, aides, assistants and managers, and promotes appropriate standards and values that enable scientific discovery.

ASET is a powerful voice for ‘labbies’ in NSW. It promotes your significant contribution to NSW schools, TAFE and tertiary institutions and your impact on student education. I am pleased that in August 2020, schools across Australia will celebrate the inaugural Science Technician Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Week to recognise your invaluable service.

I am delighted to be Patron of the Association of Science Education Technicians NSW. Thank you for all your work to further science education and inspire the next generations of young scientists in Australia.

Ben Newsome

There is little doubt that without the work done by Lab Technicians that science lessons just wouldn't be the same! From materials preparation & sourcing resources through to mentoring new teachers & activity design, Lab Technicians are truly the engine room that powers successful science faculties across the country. It is this consistent effort that makes science classes hands-on, safe and relevant to all learners and an incredibly vibrant part of the school community. I am proud to be an Ambassador for ASET-NSW and wish the members all the very best!

Simon Crook

The education of young Australians in science and mathematics is something I am deeply passionate about. I look back fondly on my school years and the impact and influence the school science staff had on my career path.

Growing up I pottered with scientific and technological things, entered science competitions and read countless books about science; however, my inquisitiveness and determination to discover new things about science – mainly physics and maths – were amplified by having good mentors at school.

Many people would recognise that those working in schools play a very special part in their students’ lives. But many of those working in education probably do not realise how big an impact they can have on their students’ futures. Lab science technicians, aides, assistants and managers are an integral part of our education system.

You play an essential role in the learning process across all education sectors, including TAFE and tertiary institutions but particularly in our secondary schools. Ensuring you have the highest-quality training, developmental opportunities and access to professional support is tremendously important – not only for yourselves but the young people with whom you are sharing your knowledge.

These are key pursuits of the Association of Science Education Technicians of NSW and, as Patron, I wholeheartedly endorse its mission. The enthusiastic response to ASET NSW’s professional development days – which have included some wonderful guest speakers on some fascinating subject matter – is strong evidence of its growing membership’s desire to grow its professional knowledge. I am delighted to be an ambassador of the Association of Science Education Technicians of NSW, and I wish the association and its members continued success.

Mary O'Kane

I have always been deeply passionate about the education of Australian kids in maths and science.

Coming from a small Queensland mining town, my love of maths and science was fostered both by my parents and teachers. I read countless books, conducted all sorts of weird and wonderful experiments around the house and entered competition after competition.

But it was probably my high school maths and physics teachers who had the biggest impact on my career. Those great mentors stirred my inquisitiveness to discover new things about science and probably had the biggest impact and influence on my career path.

Teachers play a very special part in the development of our young people. Lab science technicians, aides, assistants and managers are also an integral part of our education system.

What you may not realise is how big an impact you can have on shaping your students’ futures through the very important role you play in our schools, TAFE colleges and universities.

The Association of Science Education Technicians of NSW plays a key role in promoting the profession of technicians in the science departments of our educational institutions.

As Patron, I wholeheartedly endorse ASET NSW’s mission to ensure you continue to have the highest-quality training and development opportunities and access to professional support. This will not only benefit you but the young people with whom you share your knowledge and wisdom.

I am delighted to be Patron of the Association of Science Education Technicians of NSW and I wish the association and its members every success into the future.