Cj's Story

Variety Heart Scholarship recipient Cj, 15, dreams of becoming a robotic engineer.

”I enjoy experimenting and making a difference. The area of Science is huge and I get excited about what lays ahead” says Cj.

Coomealla 1,025 kilometres west of Sydney and 20 kilometres from the regional centre, Mildura, across the border in Victoria may not be known for science but Cj is looking to change that and its clear he is well on his way.

”I am currently in year 10. When I am not at school I enjoy playing basketball and experimenting with different materials. I have recently made a homemade electrode cleaning device for removing rust.”

Cj’s love of science has seen him selected to participate in the schools science extension program, participate in a Questacon Science Circus and in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz, a globally recognised event sat by students around the world. Achieving A’s in science from year 7Cj is putting his practical skills to good use, fixing the schools 3D printer which hadn’t been working for over a year.

With an incredible prize, a visit to NASA, on the table Cj is focused on designing a space station for one of Jupiter’s moons, hoping to win this Australia wide contest.

“My mum has been my number one supporter. My teacher Ms Steele has also encouraged me and supported my journey”.

In 2018 Cj received a Variety Heart Scholarship in Education.

The Scholarship was awarded to cover entry, registration and competition fees, supplies and equipment to help him pursue his science dreams.