Meet Jacinta Rees, an ASI alum who found success in multiple ASI programs over the years, and now returns as a tutor to share her expertise and experience with the next generations of Science Olympians.

Jacinta began her journey with ASI in 2020 by sitting the JSO Exam. Her growing passion for science saw her participate in the Big Science Competition in 2021. The same year, she aced the Junior Science Olympiad (JSO) Exam, and was selected to attend JSO Spring School.

From there, she earned a place on the first ever Australian team to compete at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). Jacinta was awarded a silver medal at the competition, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In 2022, she was selected for the ASO Summer School (Earth and Environmental Science), which was held virtually. Later that year, she represented Australia at the International Earth Science Olympiad, hosted by Italy, but held online. Jacinta earned a silver medal.

In 2023, Jacinta attended the ASO Summer School (Physics) onsite at Australian National University (ANU). She was selected for the team representing Australia at the Asian Physics Olympiad, held in Mongolia.

Jacinta’s dedication to supporting young scientists and Olympiad program participants has seen her return as a tutor to ASO Summer Schools, JSO Spring Schools, and Curious Minds – Girls in STEM camps.

Jacinta is currently studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Science degree at ANU, focusing on physics, but she took a moment to reflect on her time with ASI.

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What is failure to you and how do you handle it?

Failure to me is an inevitable part of life – though it can discourage you to persist, it is essential for gaining perspective and improving. From experience, the type of student who enters an Olympiad program is typically high performing and thus not used to experiencing ‘failure’ at school – letting go of perfectionism and learning balance in priorities is one of the most important lessons that experiencing ‘failure’ can teach.

Left: 2022 International Science Olympians meeting Professor Brian Schmidt

Right: Jacinta selected as part of the first Australian team to compete at the International Junior Science Olympiads

What inspired you to volunteer with ASI programs, and would you recommend it to other alumni to get involved too?

I have come back to tutor in the Physics Summer School, Junior Science Spring School, and the Curious Minds program. I’d recommend coming back as a tutor, as you get to provide back the same opportunities you received to younger cohorts of students, as well as gaining experience in teaching and building connections within the ASI community.

What did you dream of becoming when you were growing up? Are your current studies related to that in any way?

I’ve wanted to work in some form of STEM field practically since kindergarten – apparently when I was in kindy I was determined to grow up to be a marine scientist! Over the years, at various points, I’ve wanted to be a scientist, engineer, doctor and a teacher.

Currently I’m doing a physics based science degree, while working as a lecturer and tutor, which feels like a good mix of my different passions!

Do you still keep in touch with anyone from your JSO Spring School, ASO Summer School or Olympiad teams?

I am still friends with many of the people from my summer schools and Olympiad cohort- a huge number of them are currently studying at the same university as me, in the same degree or courses.

Thank you to Jacinta for answering our questions and for returning to support our programs and future scientists!

The Physics students at the 2023 Australian Science Olympiads Summer School

Left: “This is the Asian Physics Olympiad team in Mongolia – I still keep in touch with many of the people in this photo! I’m on the bottom left.” Jacinta. Right: The team selected to represent Australia at the 2023 Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO)