As the Head of the Mathematics and Digital Technologies Faculty at St Patrick’s College Townsville, Grant McGregor champions innovation and inclusivity in education. Over his five years at the all-girls’ school, he has significantly influenced student learning and fostered a strong STEM culture.

Grant’s innovative spirit was evident in his leadership of two major initiatives. In 2023, he seized a unique opportunity presented by the Royal Australian Navy: the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Propulsion (NPSP) Challenge. This initiative aimed to give students a firsthand look at submarine operations as Australia prepared to introduce advanced submarines.

Grant integrated the challenge into his curriculum, allowing his Year 10 Engineering students to explore the complexities of nuclear propulsion systems. His guidance led five of his students to create an award-winning presentation, earning them top honours in Queensland’s Senior Division. Their prize was an all-expenses-paid trip to Perth to experience life aboard submarines at HMAS Stirling.

Grant’s influence extends to St Patrick’s flagship STEM event: the #STEMLikeAPatsGirl Conference, which he helped launch in 2017. Aimed at girls aged 10 to 15, the conference has grown from six to fourteen workshop providers and attracted over 1100 participants across North Queensland.

His teaching methodology, rooted in real-world challenges, engages students and inspires them to explore STEM careers. Recognised with Excellence Awards for Best STEM Program in 2020, 2022, and 2023, Grant’s impact is profound and far-reaching.