Joel knows his science

KEIL Mountain's Joel Alroe is curious about how things work and sees science as a way of improving things - particularly the future.

"I think science is about making things better, developing technology and improving what we already have," Joel said.

His interest in science will next year take him to the Rio Tinto National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, where he is looking forward to learning more about his chosen field.

"We will be able to spend time with major scientist, workshopping, talking and finding out what's involved," he said. "I hope it will make clear to me some career options."

And career options for Joel include polymer science, computer science and renewable energy sources.

Joel is currently in year 11 at Nambour High School studying physics, chemistry, maths B and C and Information Processing and Technology.

More than 2000 students applied to take part in the National Science Forum which will be held at the Australian National University, but only 276 were selected.

"I was fairly surprised to be chosen," Joel said. "I hadn't really given much thought to it, but I'm extremely grateful to be taking part."

Successful applicants were chosen not only for their academic achievements in science, but also for their natural aptitude and interest in science.