Country girl makes her mark in the big smoke

A television appearance teaching science was one of many highlights for Alicia Kirk, who graduated as Valedictorian after completing her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry, following a dual degree in Science and Arts.

She made an appearance on Channel Ten’s children’s science show Scope earlier this year as part of The University of Queensland’s Science Demo Troupe, fulfilling a life-long ambition.

“The Demo Troupe has been so much fun,” Ms Kirk said.

“We get to run workshops and perform science shows and demonstrations to spread enthusiasm for science.

“When the opportunity to do that on TV came up, I jumped at the chance.

“Growing up watching so many great people presenting science on TV I’ve always thought I would love to do that one day.

She moved to UQ from her hometown of Ayr, lived on campus at Union College for three years, and said the demo troupe and college helped her meet new people.

“College definitely made me feel like I was part of a community, which was helpful settling into a new city.

“I got involved with the sporting and cultural activities on offer, like basketball, rowing, and Choralfest.”

Miss Kirk was also a student ambassador and a laboratory tutor for fellow students in her faculty.

“I have really enjoyed tutoring and hope the students I taught got as much out of it as I did.”

“That is super exciting actually,” she said.

“I didn’t imagine my third-year project being published when I started it.”

 “I hope to continue in research, so it could be the first of many.”

The Valedictorian’s UQ experience included seven Dean’s Commendations for Academic Excellence, a 2015 Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, the 2019 TGH Jones Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry, as well as a National Council of Women Queensland Science Bursary and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Honours Scholarship.

She said the key to her success was simply getting involved.

“The Bursary allowed me to attend the Australasian Conference on Undergraduate Research in Newcastle, but also meant I got to meet all the other women receiving bursaries.

“It was inspiring to listen to everything everyone is doing and feel the support and solidarity of that community.

Next on her agenda is a PhD, most likely at UQ.

“My PhD is probably going to focus on a fundamental understanding of mechanisms of chemical reactions inside enzymes.

“After that, I don’t know at this stage, which is exciting.

“More research, more work in the science communication area, or maybe both.”

She is also keen to follow in the footsteps of other women making their mark in STEM.

“There are strong female leaders making their way in chemistry and that is encouraging.

“I hope one day I will be able to inspire the next generation too.”

Media: UQ Communication, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 3439.