
I am Macinley Butson and I am currently 18 years old from Wollongong, NSW.
I am an inventor and scientist who follows my passion in STEM (which is an approach to learning that integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and I love performing research projects with an aim to always help others or improve the world around us.
My passion for STEM has been a part of my core for as long as I can remember. I was always a curious child who would persistently annoy my parents with the most powerful question a child can ask. Why?
I had a natural passion and interest for the world which surrounded me and was eager to learn all of its secrets, in every nook and cranny, and how it was sustained smoothly.
Rachelle and Corinne inherited a gene mutation which increased their risk of developing breast cancer. This is what they want you to know about talking to your family about their health history:
This natural curiosity grew as I did, turning into science projects and an aim to help the shared community of this beautiful planet that we all call home.
I have always been motivated to make a difference, and I believe everyone also has this calling in their life if nothing else. Whether this be done through art, teaching or, like myself, science, everyone can make a difference and contribution. This is what has been my motivation and is why I continue to do research and inventing.
My passion also lead to my most well-known invention. It’s called SMART Armour, which stands for Scale Maille Armour for Radiation Therapy.
It is a shield which can be used by breast cancer patients to protect their non-treated breast whilst undergoing radiotherapy treatment. One major side effect of treatment is known as ‘electron contamination’ which often contributes to skin burning and also increases the risk of developing another secondary cancer later in life.
The SMART Armour is able to reduce the dose to the non-treated breast by up to 80 per cent (or to levels which are recommended as safe), in turn improving patient’s outcome and potentially save lives.
The idea began as a conversation over the dinner table as my father works in the field. He outlined the problems and I didn’t believe it was fair that something hadn’t already been done so, I decided to take action.
Top Comments
Wow, what a brilliant invention! This is the kind of young woman I’d love to read more about here please, Mamamia! Intelligent, hardworking women who are trying to make a difference in the world, rather than more reality tv rubbish.
Very impressive for an 18yo.
Added bonus: Look like a mfing Valkyrie.