Science educator’s enthusiasm rewarded

Retired from university teaching many years ago, Dr Deidre Tronson, fascination with science hasn’t diminished. In fact, she still revels in asking “why” and it’s that enthusiasm that has seen her receive an Order of Australia (OAM) for services to science education.

“I am gobsmacked,” was Dr Tronson’s reaction when hearing of her OAM award.

“It’s an honour.”

Dr Tronson, from Werombi, who completed her undergraduate degree in 1969 has had a productive career until her retirement in 2000 – but she never wanted to sit and wile away the years. She wanted to keep her curiosity alive.

The Science in Schools Scheme, which she’s been involved in at Camden Public School since 2009, allows her to continue sharing her love of science and everything it has to offer.

She is part of a team that’s teaches primary school aged students keen on the sciences – methods and process and an added bonus is the science expo. It’s where the youngsters’ show case their comprehension both in theory and practice. Dr Tronson said the students love it as well as the school community.

She reinforces that “science equals thinking” as well as communication.

“It’s being able to understand what’s going on around us – the world and nature – just a little bit.

“I still like to find out things; it’s curiosity.”

She never tires of it and is also learning from the students who sometimes extend her expertise.

Along with her other team member, Dr Tronson uses her research skills to find information and help the students.

“And we all learn more [as well].”

She is grateful for the acknowledgement of the award and to everyone who has “listened and read” her work and gone on that bit further by doing so.

“I hope I have helped them along.”

Dr Tronson achievements also include:

Western Sydney University Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, 1988-2004; Co-Supervisor, post-graduate students in Natural Products Research, 2000-2008;

Supervisor, various high school science workshops, 1990-2019;

Honorary Adjunct Fellow, Centre of Plant and Food Sciences, 2005-2008;

Presenter, various science education conferences, 1996-2007, and;

 Developer, tutor training programs, 1996-2004. Science Education.

She is also a Royal Australian Chemical Institute Fellow.

Other milestones include:

Member, Western Sydney Section, since 1998;

Examiner, Annual Honours Prize, Western Sydney Section, 2005-2013, and;

Co-Recipient, Vice Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Western Sydney, 2002.

She is also an author who has contributed to various media science journals and HSC textbooks.