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Cracking the Code: CodeCrush Ignites STEM Passion in WA Girls

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Student participants at Murdoch University’s inaugural CodeCrush Immersion Experience.

Murdoch University’s School of Information Technology proudly launched its inaugural CodeCrush Immersion Experience, a dynamic multi-day event designed to inspire high school girls across Western Australia to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Held across three days in early June, CodeCrush welcomed students and teachers from schools statewide, selected through a competitive application process that ensured broad regional representation. The program was a vibrant showcase of hands-on workshops, industry excursions, and inspiring talks—all aimed at breaking down barriers and building pathways for young women in tech.

“This was our inaugural CodeCrush event, and it exceeded all expectations,”said Associate Professor Polychronis Koutsakis, who was the Program’s Coordinator and also the Associate Dean of Engagement for the School of IT.

“The energy, curiosity, and engagement from the students were phenomenal. It’s clear that when given the opportunity, these young women are ready to lead in STEM.”

Highlights of the rich line of activities included:

  • LEGO Serious Play with cybersecurity leader Vannessa van Beek, encouraging creative problem-solving.
  • Cupcake-themed coding with She Codes Australia’s Kate Kirwin, blending fun with foundational programming skills.
  • Drone programming and light shows, Sphero robotics challenges, and cybersecurity capture-the-flag games.
  • A visit to Immersive Technologies, where students operated mining simulators and met real-world developers and to Bankwest, where students were able to find out what a day in the career of an IT professional working in the banking sector looks like.
  • prompt engineering workshop with Microsoft’s Michelle Sandford and a panel discussion featuring tech leaders from across industries.

The event culminated in a presentation by the Rossmoyne Senior High School Robotics Club and a closing ceremony led by Professor Dave Parry, Dean of the School of IT and by member of the Parliament of WA for Bibra Lake and Murdoch alumna, Ms Sook Yee Lai, who gave the students their certificates together with Professor Parry.  A surprise was awaiting the students, their parents and their teachers at the end, as Australian Idol finalist John Van Beek performed for them. 

For many students, CodeCrush was a transformative experience.

“I loved how hands-on everything was,” said student participant Paige Knauf, from Grace Christian School in Bunbury.  “I learned how coding can be creative and fun, and I really enjoyed meeting women who are already working in tech. It made me feel like I could do it too.”

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Paige Knauf, left, from Grace Christian School in Bunbury and Japleen Kaur, right, from Swan Valley Anglican Community School attend the CodeCrush Immersion Experience. 

CodeCrush is more than just an event—it’s a strategic initiative aligned with Murdoch University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. By targeting high school girls and offering them a glimpse into real-world STEM careers, the program aims to close the gender gap in technology and empower the next generation of innovators.

“We designed CodeCrush to be inclusive, engaging, and empowering,” added Associate Professor Koutsakis. “It’s about creating a future where every student—regardless of gender—can see themselves in STEM.”

With its resounding success, CodeCrush has laid the foundation for a new tradition at Murdoch—one that celebrates curiosity, champions diversity, and crushes the barriers to STEM.

 

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Cracking the Code: CodeCrush Ignites STEM Passion in WA Girls

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