Cadence Taylor may only be 15 years old — but the young Queenslander already has her mind set on changing the world with science.
Tackling climate change and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef is a driving passion for the Bundaberg high school student, as is making sure the under-representation of women's voices in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is addressed.
"It's a field that is extending in the future and we definitely need to adapt to have more females involved," Cadence said.
"Instead of being a male-dominated area, it can expand to more females and become a 50/50 spilt."
While STEM gender equality is improving in Australia, a 2020 national data report still found the proportion of women working across all STEM-qualified industries to be only 28 per cent.
To help her achieve her goals Cadence is part of a Curious Minds mentoring program, which teams young female students with STEM professionals.
Brisbane award-winning University of Queensland scientist Sonia Shah has been assisting and inspiring Cadence.
Born and raised in Kenya, Dr Shah wishes she had access to female role models in STEM to help her when she discovered a passion for science.
"I've always loved science and [been] curious about how things work," Dr Shah said.
"Growing up in Kenya, we didn't really have career advisers or mentors and I really wish I had.
"My reasons for going into science were really driven by interest and I didn't really know being a researcher was even a career option."
Meeting on video chats every few weeks to discuss Cadence's project on the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, the pair recently took the opportunity to meet face to face.
They travelled to Lady Musgrave Island off the coast off Bundaberg, conducting surveys and research.
Dr Shah was impressed with Cadence's enthusiasm and hopes her own input will encourage the teenager to stick with science.
"She is honestly a very impressive young lady," Dr Shah said.
"It's about that exposure and I wish I had that as a child and it's one of the reasons I participate in this program."
Marine biologist for a day
Documenting animal life, entering data to the citizen scientist portal, interviewing visitors to the reef and taking part in a Be a Marine Biologist For a Day program kept the pair busy on their visit to the reef.
But it was meeting and working with her mentor that had the biggest impact for the young science lover.
"She's [Dr Shah] such an inspiration.
"She shows you can achieve your dreams.
"Being a mum as well, she gives back and inspires those that will be the next generation of women in STEM. I think that's very important in today's society."
Cadence said being part of the Curious Minds mentor project pushed her to strive harder and think about her future in science and how she may one day help other young women.
"I've got incredible science teachers and they are always there to show me things I can do to help me with my future," she said.
"I love the whole aspect of mentoring.
"It's such a wonderful way of giving your experience and knowledge to others and guiding them into their future STEM career."
