In summary

  • Swinburne graduate Anton Guzman won the communication award at the 2023 In2science awards night
  • In2science is a multi-university partnership between Swinburne, La Trobe, RMIT, the UniMelb and Deakin that places university students studying STEM degrees into high school classes around Melbourne
  • Anton says he hoped to show students they can find meaning and fulfilment in the most unexpected places.

Swinburne graduate Anton Guzman won the communication award at the 2023 In2science awards night, presented late last year. The award recognises a university mentor who excels at communicating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts at various levels in the classroom.

In2science is a volunteer peer mentoring program that places university students studying STEM degrees into high school classes around Melbourne to improve student engagement in STEM and promote STEM careers and pathways among disadvantaged young people.

The program is a multi-university partnership between Swinburne, La Trobe, RMIT, UniMelb and Deakin that has been running since 2004, with Swinburne joining in 2015.

Anton, who studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics at Swinburne says In2science has helped build valuable communication and mentoring skills.

“I was first made aware of the In2science program through a friend and thought it seemed like an excellent opportunity,” he said.

“Working as a mentor I’ve been able to gain hands-on classroom experience and have a positive impact on my local community by engaging with the next generation of STEM students.” 

From left to right, Professor Virginia Kilborn, Ashley Herrod, Zach Wingrave, Anton Guzman, the Hon John Brumby AO, Utkarsh Ranjan, Ally Vimpany and Tallulah Waterson.

Having experienced his own doubts about life beyond high school, Anton takes pride in inspiring young people.

“When I was young, I never would have imagined that I’d love and pursue physics.   

“By working with the kids, I hoped to show them that they can find meaning and fulfilment in the most unexpected places and realise that success often begins with a mindset - a decision to believe that they can do anything,” he said.

Anton says winning the communication award this year is a testament to putting effort into connecting with students. 

“It feels great to be the recipient of the communication award this year. I made it a point of emphasis to show the kids that I took pride in my time spent with them, so this award represents the value in following through on that commitment.”

If you’re a STEM student who has completed one year of studies and would like to get involved with In2science, you can apply to become a mentor or email In2science for more info.

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