Posted June 2008 Students gain insight into the mind of a rocket scientist
		Venturing into space on an elevator and travelling between continents in one hour were just two of the intriguing topics raised by students during an online chat with University of Queensland’s Emeritus Professor Ray Stalker.

© Queensland University

Hosted by the Learning Place, the chat was part of the 2008 Extreme Science Experiment - a one day seminar where Year 10 students and teachers engage with the top Australian science and technology role models. Professor Stalker, Australia's first professor of space engineering, spent over four decades building a world-class team of scientists and engineers around the invention of the shock tunnel, known as the Stalker Tube.

His achievements were recently acknowledged through a special lifetime contribution award at the 2008 ATSE Clunies Ross Awards, which recognise those who have shown exceptional long-term commitment to successful innovation. Tapping into the professor’s extraordinary mind, students from Cavendish State High School, Eidsvold State School, Monto State High School and Mackay State High School fired off a range of well-researched questions during their hour-long chat.

© Queensland University

Topics covered included the importance of space research, ion exchange engines and the possibility of creating high speed vehicles for transporting valuable items, such as hearts for transplant surgeries, from country to country. Judy Felton from Cavendish State High School said the students found the chat interesting and informative. "It was fascinating stuff", she said. "It was easy to set up with just a single user and everyone could participate at the same time. The students were well prepared so all the questions were relevant and meaningful."