Growing up in Bellingen, Daisy Sully thrived in a community rich in creativity. “It’s always been so great for the arts, culture, music,” she reflects. “For me, those passions have always been really well fostered here. But in terms of STEM, it’s hard to find opportunities - and some people don’t even know what STEM means.”

For years Daisy imagined herself as an artist or musician. She painted, played guitar and even dreamed of studying at Melbourne University’s Arts faculty. But everything shifted in Year 10 when she designed her first independent science project on plant transpiration. “I remember just going like, oh wait - this is actually really fun! I loved it.” That curiosity opened new doors - first through school science, and then through hands-on experiences with OzGREEN.

“Having opportunities to be involved in community events whilst gaining exposure into citizen science has been greatly inspiring and so much fun!”

Daisy’s first Macroinvertebrate Muster was a turning point. “I remember thinking, ‘I did not know all these bugs were in the river!! How did I not know that?!’ Ever since, I’ve never been able to go back to the river without picking up a rock to look for them.” What began as simple fascination soon deepened into a sense of responsibility. “At first it was like, wow - that’s incredible.. and then it became, ‘I want to strive to protect them and make the water quality better’.”

Her journey continued at Riveryouthfest, where Daisy ran a waterbug stall. “I didn’t realise how much organisation it takes - even just to run one stall. But I loved it! It felt creative, and it was a chance to lead something and use my own ideas.” On the day she discovered the art of science communication. “People don’t want to feel like they’re being sold something.” “I learned to just let them come to me, ask questions, and discover things for themselves. That was huge.”

Daisy says the community response was powerful:

“People still come up to me and go, ‘I saw you with the water bugs!’. It really feels like I’m making a difference.”

Another formative experience came during a day OzGREEN coordinated for Daisy to spend a day on the on the Bellinger River with Water Scientist, Nakia Belmer, and his team.

“It was so cool because suddenly, these concepts I’d learnt at school - equilibrium, biodiversity, oxygen levels in water - were all becoming practical. It was such a spark moment. All that bookwork came to life.”

Spending time with young environmental scientists also gave her a glimpse of the pathway ahead. “I was able to ask about their uni experiences and what it’s like being a woman in STEM. It made me feel like, yes, I can do this too.” Through these experiences, Daisy not only discovered her passion for ecology but also her voice as a young leader. Daisy has also seen how much gender matters in STEM participation. “In extension maths, it was basically all guys. In biology, it was all girls. Chemistry was a mix. It’s interesting how gendered the subjects are,” she observes. Her story mirrors a broader challenge: women remain underrepresented in STEM. Now, as Daisy prepares to begin a science degree focusing on ecology and evolutionary biology, she is motivated not only by curiosity but by the chance to make a difference.

“I’d love to do really focused research, but I can also see myself going into climate action or even policy. At the end of the day, I want my work to lead to something bigger.”

Daisy is happy to share her story to help other regional young people to see STEM differently.

"Science isn’t some elite thing. It’s not just for the city. It’s about curiosity, about being in nature, and about making a difference."

Daisy’s journey shows what’s possible when regional young people are given the chance to connect science to the world around them.

With curiosity, creativity, and courage, Daisy is helping shape a future where young women in regional Australia don’t just imagine themselves in STEM - they lead it.