New Caledonian students build connections through JCU project

James Cook University is this week hosting a group of high school students from New Caledonia as they work alongside North Queensland students and academics on an engineering project designed to build skills and connections across the Pacific.

Students from Jules Garnier Senior High School in Nouméa will spend a week at JCU’s Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville as part of a partnership between Jules Garnier, Pimlico State High School and the University.

JCU Associate Professor Dr Florence Boulard said the visit would provide students with an opportunity to learn from each other while developing practical engineering skills.

“We are excited to welcome the Jules Garnier students to JCU and to see what this partnership might inspire,” Prof Boulard said.

“New Caledonia and North Queensland share many similarities, as well as common opportunities and challenges.”

“We hope this visit marks the beginning of a strong and lasting relationship between our schools, communities and university, creating opportunities for students to continue learning, collaborating and building connections across the Pacific.’

JCU’s Head of Engineering Professor Bouchra Senadji said the visiting students were working on a wind turbine project

"The project is based around wind turbines and their blades, with students exploring different blade shapes to help reduce the noise the turbines create,” she said.

"The New Caledonian students came here to work alongside the Pimlico State High group who are interested in engineering and they were able to use our top-level facilities, including an additive manufacturing lab to 3D print blades and a lab that measures wind turbine performance."

“I think it’s enriching for the Pimlico students, and some of the technology has been mind-blowing for the students coming from New Caledonia. It’s been great to see different cultures and languages mixing while doing real engineering together, which is often how it happens in the professional world."

Prof Boulard said the group had thoroughly enjoyed their time undertaking different activities at JCU and across Townsville, with the University delighted to help contribute to a brighter future for the Tropics

“New Caledonia is one of Australia’s closest Pacific neighbours, about 2000 kilometres east of Queensland and is less than a two-hour flight from Brisbane,” she said.

“The French-Melanesian territory is home to a vibrant young population with big ideas and ambitious dreams.

“We hope this visit marks the beginning of a strong and lasting relationship between our schools, communities and university, creating opportunities for students to continue learning, collaborating and building connections across the Pacific.”