SOLIDWORKS Engages Australian STEM Educators

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The following blog is written in conjunction with my colleague, Matthew Hall, SOLIDWORKS Digital User Community Manger and Professor Scott Sleap
STEM Enrichment Coordinator, NSW Department of Education.

In Australia earlier this month, SOLIDWORKS supported a unique event aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers and space explorers. SOLIDWORKS Champions Michael Lord and Hasin Zafir introduced SOLIDWORKS technology to dedicated STEM educators attending the Australian Space Curriculum Collaborative (ASCC).

The SOLIDWORKS EDU community continues to grow by informative industry professionals that use SOLIDWORKS everyday in their own companies.  These experiences illustrate to educators and students that SOLIDWORKS is the industry standard.

Michael Lord is a product development engineer for Trakka Pty Limited specializing in the design and manufacture of Recreational (Motorhomes) & Special Purpose Vehicles. I am extremely fortunate to know Michael for many years as he manages the SOLIDWORKS User Group in Australia and has been a STEM advocate, helping educators and students, along with hundreds of engineers around the world.

Hasin Zafir is a aerostructure engineer at the University of New South Wales Skylabs, a Certified SOLIDWORKS expert, engineering/design analyst (FEA/CFD), and produce development specialist. SOLIDWORKS is used by researchers like Hasin as they focus on solving problems faster with virtual tools that calculate thousands of equations and document results.

A Committed Audience

The ASCC event was held in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) but operated independently. It drew 32 invited STEM educators from across Australia, mostly from the eastern coastal states. These teachers showed strong dedication by attending during the school holiday season, sacrificing a week of their personal time. Additionally, they participated in all four days of the event to earn their accreditation certificates.

The Practical Day Agenda

The SOLIDWORKS presentation was designated as a “practical” day with several external presenters. Speakers had the opportunity to follow Edward Robinson of Robinson Aerospace, who markets STEM kits for students to assemble satellites.

Additional feedback also came from co-organizer and New South Wales education system / SOLIDWORKS advocate, Ben Newsome. Ben thanked Michael and Hasin for their presentations – showing how quickly and easily products can be designed in 3D.

Special Thanks from Scott

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the ASCC possible:

  • Aldrin Family Foundation– for leading this world-class program in partnership with the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, University of Sydney, and NSW Department of Education.
    • Dr Kristina Otero – for guiding us so skillfully throughout the week and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
    • Thomas De Angelis (University of Sydney) – for your incredible behind-the-scenes coordination, logistics, and catering.
    • Andy Thomas Space Foundation – for your national leadership and support enabling participation from across Australia and New Zealand.
    • NSW Department of Education STEM Enrichment and Aboriginal Education teams – for your dedication and contribution to the program’s success.
    • VSSEC, Dr Kirsten Banks, Powerhouse Museum, Magnitude.io (Ted Tagami), Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore, Fizzics Education (Ben Newsome), Robinson Aerospace (Edward Robinson), Australian Space Agency, VEX Robotics, and Dassault Systèmes (SOLIDWORKS) – for your outstanding presentations and hands-on workshops that inspired and equipped our delegates with practical, classroom-ready ideas.

• Australian Space Agency – for organizing our special access to the Astronaut Chapter during the IAC Public Day. This unique opportunity was made possible entirely through your support and advocacy.
• CSIRO – for generously closing the CSIRO Space Truck exhibit for one hour during the Public Day to host an exclusive session for ASCC delegates. Your partnership and generosity were greatly appreciated.

 

Personally, I would like to thank all the educators who attended this STEM event on their vacation.  And a special thank you goes out to the SOLIDWORKS User Group members, Michael and Hasin, to share their industry insights with STEM educators in Australia.

Design well. Marie

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1