Amid the hustle of preparing for their HSC exams, three students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington – Elyssa Feiner, Indiana Jimenez and Grace Lee – achieved an extraordinary milestone, taking out the prestigious UTS Project of the Year 2025 for their HSC Science Extension projects.
“Winning Project of the Year was incredibly rewarding,” said Grace. “It felt like recognition for all the hard work and dedication I put into my project, but it also serves as a reminder that I can constantly improve and reach even further.”
The UTS Mentor Plus Science Extension Program offers students the opportunity to collaborate directly with university academics and postgraduate researchers. The HSC course is designed to challenge passionate students through high-level scientific inquiry and the development of skills in critically evaluating complex theories, new discoveries and contemporary research.
The UTS mentors assisted the students in designing and researching their own science-based projects. Elyssa, Grace and Indiana each chose projects based around personal interests, and these covered a broad range of scientific fields.
“My project was designed around my interest in maths and physics,” explained Grace. “I used mathematical models to compare the effects of different racing mechanisms on straight-line performance in a Formula 1 race.”
Elyssa’s project explored how different concentrations of salicylic acid affect keratin, a key structural protein found in hair, skin, and nails.
“Science Extension allowed me to independently design and conduct a scientific investigation based on my interests in skincare and chemistry,” said Elyssa.
Her project is currently under peer review for publication in the Young Australian Science Journal and she received a distinction as Young Scientist of the Year.
OLSH College Science Teacher Ms Giovanna Vlahos also mentored Elyssa, Indiana and Grace when they needed assistance with their projects. She is incredibly proud of her former students’ results.
“Their success reflects their dedication and curiosity, as well as the supportive learning culture we aim to create at OLSH,” Ms Vlahos said. “They’ve truly set a benchmark for future Science Extension students.”
All three graduates are growing their passion for science into future careers. Elyssa is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Pharmaceutical Science) at UTS, while Grace is undertaking a double Bachelor’s degree at the University of NSW in Science and Actuarial Studies. Indiana has been offered a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine via the Gadigal Program at the University of Sydney.
For Grace, her time at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart was about more than just academics.
“The OLSH community helped me to be more confident and resilient when facing all sorts of challenges. My teachers and my fellow peers were incredibly supportive in my interests in maths and science, and without their help I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am now.”
Discover more about the College’s Science program and how an OLSH education can help bring your daughter’s aspirations to life.