Scientists from the university spent the day sharing their passion for science with the children in the “be scientists for a day” program.

Students were broken into groups of 20 and taken to nine different workshops where they learnt about earth science, space engineering, marine science, archaeology, evolutionary biology and micropalaeontology.

Many of the scientists involved in the program are world renowned including marine micropalaeontologist Dr John Rogers, who has been researching what the Indian Ocean looked like 5000 years ago by analysing small fossils, and Associated Professor Dave Rowell, whose research has been unravelling the evolutionary pattern of bugs.

Scientist Kelly Strzepek, who is on her way towards her doctorate in marine science, spoke on the day and hopes the ANU days help students understand potential career paths.

“My pathway into science was definitely not a straight one,” Ms Strezepek said.

“I’ve come in through back doors, scaled fences and climbed through windows when I had to.

“The skills I learned along the way meant that when I finally got here, I was more prepared and better equipped than most.

“I made a huge mistake of thinking that becoming a scientists wasn’t a good option for me,”

 I changed my studies from setting myself up to be a marine scientists to studying art instead, this meant when I had to go back and study 12 science and maths subjects so I could get accepted into my program.”

Ms Strzepek now spends her days studying deep-sea coral and plant life.

“My interests lie in understanding how ocean ecosystems have changed through time,” she said.

“I also really like being involved in science communication and showing people what exciting opportunities are available to students with a science background.”