Since being founded in 2018, the DeadlyScience program has provided remote schools with scientific resources, and connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEMM subjects!

Corey has worked to raise funds and collect books for DeadlyScience, and has already distributed more than 5000 books and 70 telescopes to schools across Australia!

KZ: What experience did you have before founding DeadlyScience?

C: I started my career as a zookeeper at Shoalhaven Zoo and then moved on to shearing alpacas! Shearing took me all over Australia and New Zealand.

Quick quiz! Do you know why alpacas spit? To defend themselves! In South America (where alpacas are from), their main predator is a puma (a big cat). Alpacas spit on each other to mask their scent, so pumas can't sniff them out. They also aim spit at the eyes of a predator, so they can quickly get away!

I also worked as an Animal Technician looking after lab mice, so scientists could test treatments to eventually help people who feel unwell! I did all my animal courses at TAFE and learned on the job how to care for amazing animals from around the world.

KZ: What has been the highlight of your time working on DeadlyScience so far?

C: My biggest highlight for DeadlyScience has been seeing young DeadlyScientists from all across Australia, discovering their passions and realising how cool science can be!

KZ: What advice would you give to K-Zoners who want to work in a similar role one day?

C: If you have a passion, don’t be scared to ask questions – there is no such thing as a silly question. I like to think passion is like a superpower. If you have a passion and you really try hard and learn as much as you can, you can achieve a lot. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, as you never know where your passion might lead you.

Check out www.deadlyscience.icu for more info about how you can help!

Want to read more about Corey and DeadlyScience? Grab the May 2020 issue of K-Zone, on sale now!