Jade Bassett | Teacher
Rutherford Technology High School

Jade Bassett is the passionate founder and director of the RTHS Women in STEM Program, at Rutherford Technology High School. Since its launch in 2023—with an inaugural cohort of 63 high-school and 110 primary students—Jade has overseen year-on-year growth to 80 high-school and 198 primary participants in 2024. Under her leadership, the program has partnered with 98 female industry leaders for site tours and immersive workshops, hosted a brunch-style networking event connecting students with 45 women founders, and guided teams in building bionic prosthetic limbs and developing business proposals at the Sydney Start Up Hub. Student-founded ventures include the EcoVolt Drive thermoelectric generator, Dairy Way biodegradable packaging, and Coastal Currents Co bamboo surfboards. In 2025, Jade is steering her cohort through the design and testing of a hydrogen-powered car. A dedicated advocate for gender equity in STEM, she blends rigorous curriculum design with hands-on industry collaboration to empower young women scientists and engineers.