On Wednesday the 11th of August, MPhil Candidate, Ollie Pye, presented at the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy at Far North Queensland (QVSA@FNQ). QVSA@FNQ is about engaging students to develop their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills by focusing on current global problems. This term, students built their own spectrometer to investigate the nature of light. Ollie discussed how we use spectroscopy to explore the universe; everything from gas clouds to the evolution of galaxies, and even how fireworks get their different colours. There was also time to ask questions about careers in science, and the exciting growth of the Australian space industry! It was a great opportunity to connect with students throughout FNQ and provide insight into the amazing potential a career in STEM can provide.