A Gen Z astrophysicist has made it her mission to simplify complex science for her more than half a million social media followers.

'Coming from my own experience, also being part of Gen Z, it feels like we don't have a voice,' Dr.

Banks said.

'For example, young people are saying that politicians don't really seem to be listening to them.

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even though we're the next generation to come forth,' she said.

This comes as a new survey by Samsung found that 83 percent of Gen Z believe technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are the key to enacting positive change, but 75 percent didn't think they had the skills to make it happen.

Dr.

Banks said there are many factors at play when it comes to a lack of confidence in this particular generation, such as a lack of support and funding.

'As a young person, the cost-of-living crisis is the largest issue being faced by Gen Z, or that's the biggest thing that they're worried about at the moment.

And so with that.

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all of our funding, all of our own money has to kind of go towards paying to live.

'Dr.

Banks said STEM skills apply to many facets of life, as it encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

With the number of non-STEM related roles, it is important that younger generations feel equipped with the right skills and resources to confidently create change.

Dr.

Banks is acutely aware of how social media can help ordinary people understand complex scientific matters, but she didn't always feel this way.

Her interest in astrophysics began in high school, but it wasn't until she landed a job at the Sydney Observatory as a tour guide that she learned the power of public speaking and communication.

'I really enjoy engaging with people on this topic and it's been a whirlwind since starting at the Sydney Observatory and now doing lots of stuff on TikTok and Instagram,' the astrophysicist said.

'Social media, for my particular use, is a great way to reach the masses and to bring these very complex topics to people.

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to make them realize, 'Oh, that's kind of cool, I didn't know that.

''Despite some limitations, whether internal or from external forces, Dr.

Banks has full faith in Gen Z to be the change it wants to see, using STEM as a tool.

'A lot of us are wanting to at least occasionally speak up on what we believe in and I think that's a really powerful thing, that we're here.

' Dr.

Banks, who was awarded her PhD in June, is an ambassador for tasks that ask young Australians to use STEM learning to solve real-world problems.

Journalist at The Examiner, Launceston, covering community, environmental stories, and court stories.

Contact me at annika.

rhoades@austcommunitymedia.

com.

au.

Journalist at The Examiner, Launceston, covering community, environmental stories, and court stories.

Contact me at annika.

rhoades@austcommunitymedia.

com.

au.