She says her whole life has been about science education, in one way or another, and now CQUni’s Dr Linda Pfeiffer’s legacy in developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in regional Queensland has landed her as a semi-finalist in the Queensland Community Awards. Linda shares about what some see as a ‘glorified classroom’ known as STEM Central (which she helped design and now heads up) has become an amazing state-of-the-art facility in her hometown of Gladstone, thanks to a partnership with ConocoPhillips Australia Pacific LNG. Linda also explores why some kids find science boring and how the chronic teacher shortage is having a devastating impact on STEM education in regional Australia. And while it took her nine years to complete her Doctor of Science, Linda says it's one of her biggest achievements to date. Finally, Linda shares some helpful advice for up-and-coming STEM teachers.