In this episode of the Shape Your Future education series from ATSE, a panel of experts and researchers discusses the diverse pathways within plant biotechnology, bioeconomy, and environmental science. Marking National Science Week, the panel explores how engineering, plant science, and ecology converge to solve global challenges—from scaling sustainable aviation biomanufacturing to growing crops on the lunar surface.

Host: Professor Ian O'Hara (Chemical Engineer, Bioeconomy Leader, and ATSE Fellow)

Guests:

• Professor Jenny Mortimer – Professor of Plant Synthetic Biology at the University of Adelaide & Deputy Director of the Waite Research Institute [13:25]
• Lauren Halen – PhD Candidate in Forest Ecology & Microbiology at La Trobe University [24:18]
• Graham Stock (Introduction) – STEM Education Manager at ATSE [00:06]

Key Discussion Points

1. Diverse Career Pathways in BioSTEM

• Professor Ian O'Hara [07:38]: Grew up in regional Queensland driven by a passion for science and math. He transitioned from managing sugar factories in Mackay to completing a PhD focused on transforming agricultural waste streams into high-value bioproducts, biofuels, and materials.
• Professor Jenny Mortimer [15:43]: Raised in a military family with frequent relocations, she began her journey washing glassware at a plant-waste startup. This experience inspired her to pursue postgraduate research in plant cell walls and synthetic biology, leading to international roles in Japan and the US before returning to Australia.
• Lauren Halen [25:00]: Double-majored in ecology and microbiology during her undergraduate studies. After researching the gut microbiome of lyrebirds during her Honours year, she secured an ATSE Elevate scholarship to study soil and leaf litter restoration in wet forest ecosystems.

2. Overcoming Challenges & Systems Thinking

• Systems Perspective [08:39]: Professor Ian O'Hara highlighted chemical engineering as a way to understand complex systems, emphasizing that every action in a process creates ripple effects across the entire value chain.
• Practical Experience over Exam Scores [17:44]: Professor Jenny Mortimer and Lauren Halen both noted that being top of the class isn't a prerequisite for scientific success; hands-on enthusiasm, laboratory curiosity, and fieldwork resilience matter far more.
• Collaborative Team Science [23:14]: Science is far from a solo endeavor. Successful research relies on interdisciplinary teams—combining systems engineers, bioinformaticians, space lawyers, and local landholders [37:56].

3. Innovation in Agriculture & Earth-to-Space Tech

• Off-Earth Farming & Circular Systems [33:02]: Professor Jenny Mortimer explained projects like NASA's LEAF instrument, designed to germinate plants on the Moon's surface inside controlled growth capsules, providing insights for sustainable, low-input agriculture on Earth.
• Forest Ecosystem Restoration [29:15]: Lauren Halen's PhD research tests moving species-rich soil and leaf litter into revegetated pastures to reintroduce essential fungi, bacteria, and seed banks needed to regenerate Australia's tall mountain ash forests.
• Precision Fermentation & Sustainable Aviation [40:08]: The panel highlighted sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for decarbonizing long-haul flights and precision fermentation to produce proteins without traditional animal agriculture.

Notable Quotes

"Engineering is the way you take our knowledge of science, our knowledge of maths, and create solutions that have impact around the world."

— Professor Ian O'Hara [08:27]

"Science isn't an individual activity—it's not that lone Einstein figure. It's so much a team activity of people."

— Professor Jenny Mortimer [23:44]

"Get hands-on and spend time in nature—that's probably the best experience to learn how plants and ecosystems really work."

— Lauren Halen [37:26]

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE's national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.au
• ATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.au
• National Science Week: Australia's annual celebration of science and technology – www.science.net.au

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZDm5MdWQgc

In this episode of the Shape Your Future education series from ATSE celebrating NAIDOC Week, a panel of First Nations leaders and researchers explores "Science on Country" and how First Nations knowledge intersects with modern STEM. The discussion highlights how cellular immunology, genomics, and Indigenous data sovereignty converge to advance health outcomes, honor cultural responsibility, and shape the future of science in Australia.

Host: Tamara McGregor (Program Delivery Lead at ATSE)

Moderator & Guest: Professor Misty Jenkins AO FTSE – Immunologist, Head of Immunotherapy Laboratory at WEHI, and ATSE Fellow [03:45]

Guest: Associate Professor Azure Hermes – Deputy Director of the National Center for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG) at the Australian National University [14:35]

Key Discussion Points

1. Diverse Career Pathways & First Nations Representation in STEM

• Professor Misty Jenkins AO [08:10]: Grew up on Wadawurrung country and joined St John Ambulance at age 11 driven by curiosity about the human body. She emphasized that you don't need to leave your culture at the door when entering STEM—your family, culture, and community are your ultimate sources of strength.
• Associate Professor Azure Hermes [18:40]: Took a non-traditional pathway without a university degree or PhD, transitioning from government work into leading community engagement and now serving as Deputy Director of NCIG. She demonstrated that science needs people who lead governance, ethics, and community translation, not just lab researchers.

2. Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Cultural Ethics in Genomics

• The History of Biological Collections [15:40]: Azure shared the history of NCIG’s collection of ~7,000 blood samples collected from 35 Indigenous communities between the 1960s and 1990s without today's standard of informed consent, and how NCIG shifted to Indigenous-led custodianship.
• Data Sovereignty & Safeguards [32:40]: Explains Indigenous Data Sovereignty—that data belongs to the individuals and communities, not the institutions holding it. NCIG operates a controlled, closed-access system governed by an Indigenous majority board to ensure full community choice and protection [33:40].
• Kinship Systems as First Genetics [25:40]: Debunked the myth that First Nations people are "anti-genomics," pointing out that First Nations cultures have understood genetics for tens of thousands of years through complex kinship and marriage systems.

3. Innovation in Health & Cellular Immunotherapy

• Precision Cancer Therapeutics [11:00]: Professor Misty Jenkins demonstrated how T-cells are engineered into living cell therapies to target and blow up cancer cells, highlighting the shift toward personalized, bespoke medicine based on individual genomic profiles [36:45].
• Community-Led Research [26:45]: Shift from research done on Indigenous communities to research driven with and for communities on their own terms.

Notable Quotes

"I realized when I was there that I didn't need to leave my identity at the door to belong to STEM... my family, my culture, and my community were my source of strength." — Professor Misty Jenkins AO [09:07]

"We need people who can do the science, but we also need people who will shape the science, who will challenge it when it needs to be challenged, and make sure decisions leave something better for those who come after us." — Associate Professor Azure Hermes [24:32]

"Science on Country is not about choosing between Indigenous knowledge and modern STEM; it's about recognizing how these knowledge systems can ask powerful questions and contribute to each other." — Professor Misty Jenkins AO [42:29]

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.au
• ATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.au
• National Center for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG): ncig.anu.edu.au

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-L5trG4zIk

In this episode of the Shape Your Future education series from ATSE, a panel of experts and researchers discusses the diverse pathways within health sciences. Marking World Health Day, the panel explores how chemistry, materials engineering, and physics converge to solve global health challenges—from developing new medicines to creating advanced cancer treatments.

Host: Professor Michael Kassiou (Medicinal Chemist and ATSE Fellow)

Guests:

• Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri – Material Scientist and Engineer at Macquarie University [12:26]
• Alicja Kaczynksa – PhD Candidate in Medical Physics at the University of Sydney [21:45]

Key Discussion Points

1. Diverse Career Pathways in Health STEM

• Professor Michael Kassiou [07:22]: Shared how a simple love for chemistry led him from studying the living brain in France and the USA to becoming a director of drug discovery, proving that following a specific passion opens global doors.
• Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri [14:13]: Transitioned from a rural farm in Iran to becoming a leading nanotechnology researcher in Australia, emphasizing that engineers are the ones who design the tools medical doctors use.
• Alicja Kaczynksa [23:51]: Originally a physics student with no set career path, Alicia discovered "Medical Physics"—a field applying physics to treat cancer—and now works directly with radiotherapy machines.

2. Overcoming Challenges & Resilience

• The "Year 9" Myth [43:28]: The panelists candidly shared that high school grades aren't always a straight line to success. Alicja and Noushin both noted that grades can dip during stressful years (like Year 11 or 12), but resilience and focus are what matter in the long run.
• Research Setbacks [28:33]: Alicia discussed the reality of scientific research, where experiments may fail for months. She views these challenges as essential for building problem-solving skills and professional resilience.

3. Innovation in Health Technology

• Future Diagnostics [19:06]: Noushin highlighted "science fiction" style tech currently in development, including smart contact lenses that analyze tears and UV sensors designed to prevent skin cancer [20:03].
• Real-time Cancer Treatment [25:40]: Alicja explains her work in tracking tumor movement (caused by breathing or digestion) in real-time to ensure radiation beams hit targets with extreme precision

Notable Quotes

• "Follow what you enjoy doing... STEM is really the foundational sciences that help you understand and solve biological problems." – Professor Michael Kassiou [11:08]
• "The biggest luxury that you could have is to do what you love and you still get paid for it." – Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri [31:07]
• "You don't have to know what you want to do yet, and curiosity is just enough to start." – Alicja Kaczynksa [29:09]

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.au
• ATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.au
• MedChem Australia: Bridging the gap between research and commercial drug discovery – www.medchemaustralia.org.au

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve6zzsMbEoQ

International Women’s Day Special with Dr Cathy Foley

In our first-ever episode of Shape Our Future, a special audio-only edition of Shape Your Future where high school students interview Australia's top scientists, Year 11 students Crystal and Lexy Shears interview Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

From growing up in Sydney to leading science at the CSIRO and serving as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist (2021–2024), Dr Foley shares how curiosity, resilience and the right mentors shaped her career in physics.

She explains her groundbreaking work in superconductors and quantum magnetic sensors - technology that has helped discover billions of dollars’ worth of mineral deposits - and reflects on leading science through COVID-19, the future of STEM careers, and why perseverance matters more than brilliance.

Now President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Dr Foley outlines her vision for Australia’s scientific future: evidence-based policy, stronger STEM pathways, and turning world-class research into national prosperity.

Key Themes

• Women in STEM
• Superconductors & quantum sensing
• Science leadership during COVID
• Resilience in research
• The future of Australian innovation

“I would love to say I’m a mega brain. I’m not. I’m just regular - but I love science” - Dr Cathy Foley

🎧 Tune in to hear how science truly helps shape our future.

Useful Links

• Cathy Foley: President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering - https://atse.org.au/about-us/governance/council/president/
• STELR (Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance) - https://stelr.org.au
• Nobel Prize in Physics 2014 - Blue LEDs & Nitride Semiconductors - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2014/summary/
• Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 – Quantum tunnelling, featuring Cathy’s friends John Clarke and John Martinis - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2025/summary/
• Quantum Technologies & Sensing (CSIRO overview) - https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/quantum-technology

In this episode of the Shape Your Future education series from ATSE, our panel of experts and emerging leaders in STEM celebrate International Women's Day by discussing the importance of "balancing the scales." The panel shares personal stories of navigating non-linear career paths, the importance of supportive organizational cultures, and how a diversity of voices is essential for solving the world's most complex challenges—from radio astronomy to property management in mining.

Host: Professor Kylie Walker AM (CEO of ATSE)

Moderator: Dr Sarah Pearce FTSE (Director of the SKA Low Telescope) [05:40]

Guests:

• Maria Reyes - Property Lead at Orica and Civil Engineer [16:30]
• Cynthia Feng - PhD Candidate at the University of Sydney researching "brain rot" and social media [26:55]

Key Discussion Points

1. Non-linear career paths

• Dr Sarah Pearce [09:40]: Despite a PhD in astronomy, Sarah's path included working as a science advisor in the UK Parliament and a project manager in particle physics at CERN before leading Australia's largest science project.
• Maria Reyes [22:30]: Shifted from road infrastructure and residential development in Colombia to managing a massive property portfolio for a global mining company in Australia.
• Cynthia Feng [28:05]: Originally focused on the humanities (Latin, History, Legal Studies), Cynthia transitioned into psychology and data analytics, proving that STEM skills can be mastered later in life.

2. Overcoming Challenges & Breaking Myths

• Maths as a Tool, Not a Barrier [29:50]: Cynthia discusses overcoming her fear of mathematics by treating it as a language for problem-solving rather than a natural-born talent.
• The Power of Asking for Help [45:41]: Both Maria and Cynthia emphasize that no one works in a vacuum; success comes from collaborating with teams and having the courage to ask questions.
• Authenticity in Research [43:36]: Cynthia reflects on her experience as a queer researcher and the importance of being authentic to oneself while navigating structured academic expectations.

3. Workplace Support & Diversity

• Supportive Environments [15:57]: Sarah highlights how working remotely and part-time while her children were young allowed her to sustain a high-level career.
• Safety and Regulations [41:44]: Maria shares how Australia’s regulated mining industry provides a safe environment for her as both an immigrant and an expectant mother.

Notable Quotes

• "Without women asking the questions and coming up with the answers, we can't hope to address all the difficult issues we need to be looking at." - Dr Sarah Pearce [08:19]
• "You don't know what you like until you try... it is okay to discover what you are really interested in on the way." - Maria Reyes [22:31]
• "I see STEM as a framework or a way of thinking about the world and getting answers... a set of skills and tools that anyone can learn." - Cynthia Feng [33:24]

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.au
• SKA Telescope: Learn more about the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope – www.skao.int
• ATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.au

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfi9qY5GKYM

From revolutionising the mining industry with gold-detecting X-rays to the production of life-saving nuclear medicines, this panel of experts breaks down the stereotypes of nuclear science, shares their unusual career journeys, and discusses how nuclear physics is a powerful tool for global health, security and industrial innovation.

Host: Elvira Copur (Membership Manager at ATSE) 

Moderator: Dr James Tickner FTSE (Co-founder and CTO of Chrysos Corporation) 

Guest: 

• Meg Hennessy - Licensing Officer at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Nuclear Medicine

Key Discussion Points

1. Careers in nuclear physics

• Just as electricity has multiple uses, nuclear science has two main branches [05:24].
• It’s not just theoretical "atom smashing" at CERN and DESY, there’s applied science that solves real-world problems [09:12].
• Understanding the intersection of engineering and medicine as a career passion [15:25].

2. Innovation in industry & medicine

• Toxic chemical processes in mining being replaced with high-energy X-rays [03:26] - https://chrysoscorp.com/photonassay/. 
• Nuclear isotopes are used to diagnose and treat serious illnesses [20:28].
• The reality of working at Australia's only nuclear reactor [26:11] - ANSTO - OPAL Multipurpose Reactor.

3. Global impact & success

• STEM is a global passport that will take you to many countries for work [11:11].
• Challenges of convincing an entire industry to move toward clean, modern technology [37:11].

4. Advice for students & early career researchers [25:01]

• The importance of resilience and opportunities to find dream career pathways later in life.
• Scientists need to be good writers and speakers to persuade others and lead teams.
• Following curiosity is the most important trait for a budding scientist
• It’s important to build networks to succeed as a young professional - https://www.ausygn.org

Notable Quotes

"Physics is for everyone... find the way your brain works - whether you love living things, the chemical world, or thinking visually—and let that shape your career." - Dr James Tickner

"In science, if you're not winning, you're learning. Every wrong avenue teaches you something new." - Meg Hennessy

Useful Links

• IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship: Global program for women in nuclear science – iaea.org
• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNXyH31dnpw

The panel of experts discusses Australia's transition to clean, secure, and reliable energy systems. The guests share their diverse career journeys—from chemical and mechanical engineering to offshore wind development—highlighting the critical role of STEM in solving global sustainability challenges and the importance of lifelong learning.

Host: Sarah Gavel (Partnerships and Development Manager at ATSE) 

Moderator: Rachelle Doyle FTSE (Energy Advocate & Strategy Leader) 

Guests:

• Colin Sheldon - Consulting Manager at Aurecon
• Linden Blair - Head of Power Development (West Coast and Offshore) at Alinta Energy

Key Discussion Points

1. Career paths

• Rachelle [06:40]
• Colin [11:51] 
• Linden [20:15]

2. Innovation & technology in the energy transition

• Standards Australia creating safety guidelines for hydrogen strategies [04:27] – https://www.standards.org.au/engagement-events/strategic-initiatives/energy-transition. 
• The complex control systems used in sub-sea gas extraction and how those skills apply to offshore wind [26:15].
• Long-term energy storage like pumped hydro is the "next big thing" [41:07] – https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/generation/the-snowy-scheme/. 

3. Sustainability & professional development

• The Carbon Literacy Project as a tool for individuals to understand climate impacts [18:33] – carbonliteracy.com
• Volunteer opportunities through “Beyond Zero Emissions” to conduct clean-tech research [18:06] – bze.org.au atse.org.au/imnis

4. Advice for students & early careers [31:38]

• Look at alternative study pathways before jumping to university degrees 
• Engage with the professional peak bodies to build networks and stay current – engineersaustralia.org.au.
• Engage in challenges to explore your passions for renewable tech – https://www.solarchallenge.net.au.

Notable Quotes

"The future will hold jobs that don't even exist today, and STEM is a fantastic career pathway that sets you on that journey." - Rachelle Doyle

"The engineers who've really thrived are those that are actually really creative and can apply creative solutions." - Colin Sheldon 

"Through the renewable energy transition, we have a real opportunity to do things differently... and really uplift First Nations people around the country." - Linden Blair

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me91ZM0r2L0

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, the panel explores the powerful intersection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ Traditional Knowledge and STEM knowledge. They discuss how Indigenous ways of knowing—as the world's oldest surviving scientists and technologists—can solve complex global challenges in health, education and digital technology.

More information about NAIDOC Week, including resources and history for the annual celebration, can be found at naidoc.org.au.

Host: Dr Emma Wensing (Diversity & Inclusion Manager at ATSE) 

Moderator: Professor Alex Brown FTSE (Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics) 

Guests:

• Dr Rhett Loban - Director of Indigenous Education, University of Technology Sydney
• Nicole Boyd - PhD Candidate & Elevate Scholar 

Key Discussion Points

1. Career paths

• Alex [08:02] 
• Rhett [13:01]
• Nicole [19:26]

2. Indigenous Knowledge in digital tech & games

• Developing immersive VR to teach Island custom and history through digital storytelling [14:52] – Torres Strait Virtual Reality Project.
• Embedding Traditional Knowledge into the IT curriculum [11:15].

3. "Both ways" of learning in the classroom

• The Goompi pedagogical model to teach maths through indigenous cultural expression [25:42] – https://atsima.com/resources/. 
• Using a creative "Pet Dragon" model to teach Mendelian inheritance to remote students, bridging the gap between art and science [23:51] – https://scienceinschool.org/article/2011/dragons/
• How students can learn proportional reasoning and volume by collecting bush medicine [28:11].

4. Philosophy of "listening to Country"

• The Yolngu concept of Ganma, the meeting of salt water and fresh water, as a space where new, intercultural ideas emerge [38:52].
• Scientists need to be respectful of deeply rooted Indigenous Knowledge systems [09:25].

Notable Quotes

"We have at our fingertips the most deeply rooted knowledge systems... if we are only respectful and quiet enough to listen, we will be gifted the most amazing understanding of the world." - Professor Alex Brown

"Software development is iterative... it aligns really well with Indigenous protocols of community co-design and iterative conversations." - Dr Rhett Loban

"Maths is everywhere. It’s not just a whiteboard; it’s the women sitting in a circle—that is what pedagogy looks like." - Nicole Boyd

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• Discover ATSE’s Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award: https://atse.org.au/what-we-do/atse-awards/traditional-knowledge-innovation-award/winners-of-the-traditional-knowledge-innovation-award/

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fvPukpXNvk

The panel of marine experts explores the diverse and creative world of ocean science. Doing things in ocean science you wouldn’t have previously considered, they have tracked the provenance of seafood using geochemistry, and 3D-printed artificial coral reefs. They share how curiosity and a "STEAM" (STEM + Art) approach are essential for protecting our oceans and building a sustainable future.

More information about World Ocean Day can be found at worldoceanday.org.

Host: Tamara McGregor (IMNIS Coordinator at ATSE) 

Moderator: Dr Alistair Hobday FTSE (CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist) 

Guests:

• Dr Zoe Doubleday - ARC Future Fellow, University of South Australia
• Beth O’Sullivan - PhD Candidate in Marine Restoration & Elevate Scholar

Key Discussion Points

1. Non-linear & creative career paths

• Alistair [05:19]
• Zoe [10:35
• Beth [17:19]

2. Innovation in marine technology and research

• Australian marine research with the CSIRO RV Investigator [03:43] – www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/vessels/investigator
• Using the chemical composition of bones and shells to combat illegal fishing [13:10].
• 3D printing calcium carbonate reefs as a sustainable, low-carbon for artificial habitats [21:55].

3. Central science of the sea

• Time-lapse photography and 3D printing to observe how algae and organisms interact with man-made structures [24:13].
• Analysing critical data through citizen-science projects that can be done from anywhere [43:27] – http://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/citizen-science/projects. 

4. Advice for Students & Educators [41:11]

• The power of reaching out to researchers whose work you admire to find volunteer opportunities.
• Focusing on broad STEM subjects in high school is better than over-specialising too early.
• Teacher opportunities through the CSIRO "Educator on Board" program to join research voyages – https://research.csiro.au/educator-on-board/

Notable Quotes

"It is a myth that the work we do is not creative... I actually do research in science communication and how we can tell our stories better." - Dr Zoe Doubleday

"Follow your curiosity and your interests... now more than ever, we need creative people in STEM." - Beth O’Sullivan

"The question I've pursued my whole career is: why do animals live where they do, and how do they cope with human pressures?" - Dr Alistair Hobday

Useful Links

• PADI Scuba certification: Mentioned by Beth as a pivotal tool for her underwater research - padi.com
• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools 
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs9YqJdBQrs

The panel explores how the fundamental science of chemistry serves as a bridge between microscopic molecules and complex industrial machinery. They discuss diverse career trajectories, from designing life-saving medical diagnostics tools to optimising global mining operations, and how chemistry underpins sustainability and innovation across the globe. 

Host: Dr. Alejandra Fernandez (Science & Technology Policy Analyst at ATSE)

Moderator: Professor Michael Breadmore FTSE (Professor at University of Tasmania)

Guests:

• Dr Armineh Hassanvand - Senior Research Engineer at Orica
• Vanessa Yolanda - Minesite Projects Coordinator & Elevate Scholar

Key Discussion Points

1. Non-linear career paths

• Michael [10:30]
• Armineh [12:33]
• Vanessa [28:20]

2. Scaling STEM from the lab to global industry

• The fascinating technical link between the chemistry of chocolate emulsions and explosives used in mining [16:38].
• The thrill of "discovery" - creating something never reported in literature [10:13].
• The critical role of chemistry in exploring in-ground valuable minerals from the air [25:41].

3. The future of resource recovery

• In-place recovery (www.orica.com/Products-Services/mining-services/in-place-recovery) [18:27].
• Extractive metallurgy [21:50].

4. Advice for students & early Careers

• The "no dumb questions" rule and emphasising curiosity [04:45].
• Importance of soft skills that can transfer between careers [19:48].
• Location is not a barrier with digital connectivity [39:19].

Notable Quotes

"Chemistry is the foundation of energy, manufacturing, and health. It’s the science that will interface humans with artificial intelligence and molecular machines in the very near future." - Professor Michael Breadmore

"Your career is never a straight ladder; it’s more like a hiking trail. Sometimes you feel lost and need a GPS, but other times you reach moments that are just truly scenic." - Dr Armineh Hassanvand

Useful links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): Hands-on curriculum resources for teachers and students. 
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOpfn2l_z84

The panel of experts explores the vital role of Earth's natural resources in meeting global challenges. From the food on our plates to the minerals in our technology, the discussion covers the diverse pathways into agriculture and mining, the importance of sustainability, and how a STEM background can lead to a global career that changes the world.

Host: Georgie Ovin (Program Delivery Coordinator at ATSE) 

Moderator: Dr Angeline Achariya FTSE (CEO of Food Innovation Centre)

Guests:

• Ishmael Gottreux - Senior Manager of Global Marketing, Orica
• Associate Professor Kim Johnson - Research Fellow and Lecturer, La Trobe University

Key Discussion Points

1. Non-linear career paths 

• Angeline [08:42]
• Ishmael [15:46]
• Kim [25:02]

2. Innovation in Agriculture & Mining

• Understanding how we feed the future with increasing populations [36:54]
• Looking at how we will grow food in space for long-term human travel [24:31]
• Strategic marketing in technology and importance of engineering knowledge [19:53]

3. The future of resource management

• Learning from space travel to create "zero waste" agricultural systems on Earth [26:14].
• Understanding the complexity behind every meal and the drive toward quality, safety and innovation [08:00].

4. Advice for students & early career researchers [21:44]

• The power of field experience
• The "pause" rule to not rush into new qualifications
• Importance of building professional networks

Notable Quotes

"A scientist is not always in a lab coat. You can run a business, travel the world, and be an integral part of solving global challenges." - Dr. Angeline Achariya

"If you want to defend your ideas, you need arguments—and without field experience, that is much harder." - Ishmael Gottreux

"Plants are amazing. They take sun and a few resources and make us food. I've always wanted to understand how they work." - Kim Johnson 

Useful Links

• Plants for Space: Information on the ARC Centre of Excellence – https://plants4space.com
• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): Hands-on curriculum resources for teachers and students. 
• Elevate Scholarship (www.elevate.org.au): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppSq1liuW8w

In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the guests explore the diverse and often non-linear pathways that lead into quantum physics careers. The panel discusses how curiosity drives scientific discovery, the reality of working in "deep tech," and why you don't need to be the best student in the class to change the world through science.

Host: Natasha Abrahams (Strategy & Government Relations Manager at ATSE)

Moderator: Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA (Former Chief Scientist of Australia)

Guests:

• Dr Will Campbell – Research Associate in Experimental Physics, University of Western Australia
• Lucy Duldig – PhD Candidate in Quantum Materials, University of Adelaide

1.    Non-linear career paths

• Cathy [6:57]
• Will [17:25]
• Lucy [21:20]

2. What is Quantum Physics? (Explained for Year 7s)

• The "small" and the "low energy", and a screen analogy for the students. [40:54]
• Online learning: Tools from IBM, Google, and Q-Control for students to play with "toy" quantum computers online [49:24].
• https://q-ctrl.com/black-opal
• https://quantumai.google/education/thequbitgame

3. The future of Quantum in Australia

• The National Quantum Strategy [13:52] – https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-quantum-strategy
• Career opportunities [47:08]
• https://www.csiro.au/en/careers/career-opportunities/quantum
• https://equs.org/case-study/futurum/

4. Advice for students & early career researchers [30:20]

• The six-month rule on handling challenges
• Hobbies vs. career
• Resilience

Notable Quotes

"I was seen as someone who probably wouldn't amount to very much, but I always had that curiosity." - Dr Cathy Foley

"Physics is for everyone, especially people with diverse interests. As long as you find it interesting, doors will open for you." - Will Campbell

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBcYVtSCRAM

This final "Shape Your Future" session for 2024 features a panel of experts and emerging leaders exploring the vast and diverse world of health technology. From designing personalised cancer treatments and uncovering global health interventions to using AI to analyse mental health on social media, the guests discuss how curiosity and a commitment to health equity can lead to impactful, international careers.

Host: Tamara McGregor (IMNIS Coordinator at ATSE) 

Moderator: Adjunct Professor Craig Rayner FTSE (Director of Translational Medicine at Moderna) 

Guests:

• Dr Katherine Morgan – Postdoctoral Researcher, Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute
• Jemima Kang – PhD Candidate in Computing & Information Systems, University of Melbourne & Elevate Scholar

Key Discussion Points

1. Opportunities and non-linear career paths

• Craig [06:43]
• Katherine [14:35]
• Jemima [19:18]

2. Breaking the "swim lane" mentality

• The importance of bridging across academia, industry and government to solve intractable health problems [08:51].
• Real-world success stories including developing treatments for river blindness, influenza in infants, and COVID-19 interventions [10:38].

3. Innovation in the lab & digital space

• Work designing "molecular cages" that trap radioactive metals to deliver targeted therapy to hard-to-treat cancers [13:56].
• Using machine learning to analyse mental health discourse on social media [22:10]
• Prostate cancer research with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre [25:05] – https://www.petermac.org. 

4. Advice for students & future leaders [27:34]

• Content knowledge is less important than learning how to methodically solve problems.
• Asking for advice may lead to a job, asking for a job may lead to advice.
• The value of volunteering and internships to discover what exists beyond traditional career roles.

Notable Quotes

"I wanted to be the person on the blocks at the side of the pool who wanted to swim across all of the swim lanes... the largest problems cannot be defeated by focusing only on one." — Adjunct Professor Craig Rayner

"In science, the content is not as important as learning to be a problem solver. A career in STEM pretty much boils down to solving problems." — Dr Katherine Morgan

"Practice makes progress. Curiosity should guide you to do hard things because that’s where you find out what you’re made of." — Jemima Kang

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools 
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• Bio21 Institute: Where Dr. Katherine Morgan conducts molecular research – bio21.unimelb.edu.au
• Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS): Mentioned by Craig as a pivotal career experience – flyingdoctor.org.au

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeBudBNzTCM

In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, this session brings together a panel of world-class scientists and award-winning educators to discuss the pivotal role of teaching in the STEM ecosystem. The panel explores how teachers ignite curiosity, the diverse pathways that lead to a career in education, and why teaching is one of the most impactful and rewarding STEM careers you can choose.

Host: Kylie Walker (CEO of ATSE) 

Moderator: Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FTSE (Nobel Laureate & Former Vice-Chancellor of ANU) 

Guests:

• Veena Nair – 2022 PM’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching & STEAM Lead at Viewbank College
• Professor Scott Sleep – PM’s Prize Winner & STEM Enrichment Coordinator, NSW Dept of Education

Key Discussion Points

1. The backbone of discovery: why teachers matter

• Educators serve as the "bottom of the pyramid" that drives all human advancement by fostering critical thinking and discovery [08:04].
• Impact of teachers on a Nobel laureate [32:16].

2. Non-linear pathways to the classroom

• Veena [18:00].
• Scott [25:06].

3. Innovation in modern education

• Systems engineering and similar application subjects now being recognised as bonus subjects for university entry in Victoria [21:19].
• The importance of equity for regional and remote students through virtual STEM academies [31:20] – https://sispprogram.schools.nsw.gov.au/nswvsa.html.
• Mastering concepts like mathematics can be achieved more easily by applying it to real-world engineering tasks [40:12].

4. Advice for future educators & students [35:53]

• The best way to master a complex subject is to try and teach it to someone else.
• Believing in yourself and have the confidence to pursue hard things.

Notable Quotes

"Teachers impart knowledge, but that is just a little bit of it. They ignite a passion for discovery that benefits all of humanity." — Professor Brian Schmidt

"Innovation is possible in every single field, every single day. Education offers you the opportunity to do that daily." — Veena Nair

"Education can take you all around the world—to the White House, to NASA, and behind the scenes of history." — Professor Scott Sleep

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• Mount Stromlo Observatory: Where Professor Brian Schmidt is based – rsaa.anu.edu.au
• Winston Churchill Trust: Scott Sleep’s fellowship that took him to NASA – churchilltrust.com.au
• Lunaria One: The project Veena advises on, aiming to grow plants on the moon – lunaria.one

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhNY8wq5IIo

In celebration of International Literacy Week, this session dives into the critical field of science communication. Our panel of communication experts explores how to transform complex research into compelling stories, the reality of navigating a world full of "fake news" and AI-generated content, and why being a scientist can mean everything from singing about immunology to managing global media platforms.

Host: Edwin Shiell (Director of Communications and Outreach at ATSE) 

Moderator: Dr Susanna Elliot FTSE (CEO of the Australian Science Media Centre) 

Guests:

• Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson – Immunologist, Science communicator, and "The Singing Scientist"
• Adam Huttner-Koros – Communication Specialist at ATSE (Expert in Linguistics & Science Writing)

Key Discussion Points

1. Diverse & creative career paths

• Susanna [10:30]
• Catriona [17:10]
• Adam [25:08]

2. Fighting misinformation in the digital age

• How Australian organisations of experts are ensuring accurate reporting on big issues like COVID-19 and vaping [06:08] - smc.org.au.
• Practical tips for students on how to filter media and identify "fake news" [42:33].

3. Science "behind the scenes"

• Using supercomputers to identify 30 extinct species of weevils trapped in 100-million-year-old rock [29:29].
• Managing 10,000 scientists to communicate how the planet is changing over time [14:30].

4. Advice for students & educators [35:07]

• Keep your knowledge broad and don't specialise too early
• Hobbies in art, music or radio are often the "passion" that makes your professional work successful.
• Many opportunities come from simply volunteering or asking a researcher for a coffee chat.

Notable Quotes

"A scientist can be many different things... the skills you learn in STEM stay with you no matter what you do." — Dr Catriona Nguyen-Robertson

"It’s worth pushing through maths and physics because it opens doors to doing more interesting things later." — Adam Huttner-Koros

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM. 
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• Scimex: The breaking science news portal mentioned by Susanna – scimex.org
• Science Victoria: The magazine where Catriona serves as Senior Editor – rsv.org.au/science-victoria

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GZxlLkOfwI

In honour of NAIDOC Week, this session explores the powerful intersection of Australia’s First Nations People and their Traditional Knowledge with Western science. From mathematical modelling of extreme bushfires to marine ecology on the RV Investigator, the panellists share their journeys integrating knowledge and practices from the world’s first scientists and technologists.

Host: Dr Alison Every (Director of STEM Careers at ATSE) 

Moderator: Professor Jason Sharples FTSE (UNSW Bushfire Research Group) 

Guests:

·      Jamie (Jam) Graham-Blair (Marine Ecologist at CSIRO)

Key Discussion Points

1. Reclaiming mathematics and physics

• From struggling in high school to a double degree in Math and Physics [07:20].
• Transitioning from black holes to bush fires [11:33].

2. Two-way learning & caring for Country

• Combining traditional sustainable harvesting with modern survey techniques [21:30].
• Learning on country is just as valid as the formal education system [22:19].
• The challenge of Western and Traditional Knowledge "butting heads" and the importance of standing up for community and culture [24:43].

3. Cutting-edge STEM projects

• Bushfires that generate their own weather, turning into thunderstorms [16:13].
• Surveying of the Southeast Australian marine ecosystem that hasn't been seen by humans for 12,000 years [29:15].
• Using AI and machine learning to count seabirds and environmental DNA to detect species from fragments of seawater [29:43].

4. The 2024 NAIDOC theme: "Keep the Fire Burning" [41:43]

• The shift from "fighting" fires to "gifting" fire to country, maintaining a healthy landscape through cultural fire management
• Being a small part of a large story and bringing ancestral work into the "here and now."

5. Advice for students & educators [33:35]

• Follow your passion and prove the doubters wrong.
• A strong math background makes it easier to switch between different scientific fields.
• Find your own learning style and connecting with people who think like you.
• Aboriginal people "love a yarn”. Reach out to local Land Councils, Ranger groups, and Land Carers to start a conversation.

Notable Quotes

"All knowledge is interrelated and connected. I love to keep my learning broad so I can paint in 'big picture' language." - Jam Graham-Blair

"Aboriginal people love a yarn. They like to share their culture, as long as you are doing that in a respectful way. Don't be afraid of making mistakes; they'll let you know if you're doing something that isn't kosher." - Professor Jason Sharples

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• UNSW Bushfire Research Group: Leading extreme fire research –https://www.unsw.edu.au/canberra/our-research/research-centres-institutes/unsw-bushfire

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs9IW6JwjhY

This session celebrates International Women in Engineering Day by exploring the diverse pathways and significant contributions of the panel of women in sustainable engineering. From inventing carbon-dioxide-injected concrete to tackling the global plastic waste crisis and managing the transition to renewable energy, our panellists discuss how they are building a greener, more sustainable world.

Host: Dr Louisa James Pearson (Policy Analyst at ATSE) 

Moderator & Panellist: Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam FTSE (Western Sydney University)

Guests:

• Laila Halim: PhD Student at Monash University & 2023 Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship recipient.
• Fiona Allen: Strategic and Development Environmental Lead at CleanCo Queensland & 2023 Elevate Postgraduate Scholar.

Key Discussion Points

1. Diverse pathways into STEM

• Laila [11:13]
• Fiona [21:43]
• Vivian [07:51] 

2. Innovating waste into resources

• Injecting carbon dioxide into recycled concrete [10:17] – https://www.co2concrete.com.au.
• Australia's plastic problem, and membrane technology to improve advanced recycling [19:01] – https://www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/ending-plastic-waste. 
• The shift from a "take-make-waste" model to a "make-and-remake" model in Australia [34:52].

3. The renewable energy transition

• How backgrounds in oil, gas and mining informs work on major renewable projects [30:43].
• Understanding the scale of Queensland’s renewable energy targets and the multi-disciplinary effort required to meet them [37:08].
• The importance of balancing infrastructure needs with community relationships and Traditional land ownership [38:54].

4. Advice for students & educators [19:53]

• Even finding out a role isn't right for you is valuable knowledge.
• The core skill of an engineering degree is learning how to solve complex problems.
• Attend university open days to get hands-on experience and see what resonates with you.

Notable Quotes

"I love maths because there are different approaches you can take, but the answer will still be the same. You can reach the same goals no matter where you are coming from." – Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam

"Just because you choose a certain degree, it doesn't mean that you can't pivot. If you're passionate about something and give it your all, you can pretty much do anything." – Laila Halim

"I’ve seen the depletion of our natural resources and the impact on our biodiversity. I wanted to be part of the solution rather than just building infrastructure." – Fiona Allen

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students and early career researchers.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0KcxbwXLsI

In celebration of World Bee Day, this session explores the diverse career pathways in agricultural science and the critical role of technology in securing our food future. From the proteomics of gluten-free barley to the engineering of regional supply chains and the commercialisation of native foods, our panellists discuss how they are shaping the agriculture of tomorrow.

Host: Emily O'Neill (Elevate Program Coordinator at ATSE) 

Moderator: Professor Michelle Colgrave FTSE (Deputy Director at CSIRO Agriculture and Food) 

Guests:

• Mandy Walker: Regional business owner, AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner (WA 2024), and Elevate Scholar.
• Amelie Cox: Undergraduate student at the University of Queensland and ATSE Elevate Scholar.

Key Discussion Points

1. Pathways into STEM careers

• Michelle [09:29]
• Mandy [16:35]
• Amelie [26:12]

2. Modern agriculture & tech

• Creating pesticides from plants that are lethal to pests but safe for bees [11:03].
• Developing gluten-free barley and nutrient-dense crops for global food security [13:31] – https://www.csiro.au/en/research/plants/crops/Grains/Kebari-barley. 
• The importance of study hubs that allow students to study STEM without leaving their communities [22:18] – https://www.education.gov.au/regional-university-study-hubs. 

3. Native foods & First Nations Knowledge

• The unique way native bees pollinate Australian plants [30:31].
• Researching how to farm native species on an industrial scale [28:21] – https://uniquelyaustralianfoods.org. 
• Recognising some of the world's oldest agricultural engineering [46:04] – https://deadlystory.com/page/culture/history/Gunditjmara_people_build_sophisticated_Budj_Bim_eel_trap_system. 

4. Advice for students & educators [33:35]

• How much mathematics you really need.
• Look at subjects like humanities to understand the "human factor".
• Take risks and don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too crazy.

Notable Quotes

"A career is not a linear function. It is very convoluted and can take many twists and turns... don't be scared of the unknowns because reinventing yourself is pretty exciting." - Mandy Walker

"Science is a wide field, and I guarantee there is something out there that combines your interests. Don't be afraid to make a change, even if it's scary." - Amelie Cox

"Everything in agriculture has moved on... we're using sensors, drones, robots, and AI. Math is a critical factor, but it's really just a tool to help solve the big problems." - Professor Michelle Colgrave

Useful Links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.
• World Bee Day: Learn more about why pollinators matter – https://www.worldbeeday.org.au. 
• CSIRO Future Protein Mission: Addressing global food security – https://www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/Future-protein-mission. 

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52VWTkUbfU0

In celebration of International Women’s Day, this session showcases the diverse and non-linear career journeys of women in STEM. The panellists explore how a background in science and technology acts as a versatile "toolkit" for leadership, innovation and social impact—from venture capital and commercial piloting to groundbreaking medical research in neuroimmunology and molecular biology.

Host: Dr Alison Every (Director of STEM Careers at ATSE)

Moderator: Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE (President of ATSE)

Guests:

• Dr Claretta D’Souza: Commercial Project Manager at the Burnet Institute and neuroimmunologist.
• Dr Lydia Qian: Molecular biologist, IMNIS alumni, and recent PhD graduate specialising in cellular cholesterol research.

Key Discussion Points

1. Pathways into STEM careers

• Katherine – The “butterfly" career [07:34].
• Claretta – from surgery to commercialisation [15:58].
• Lydia – combining art and science [25:57].

2. Breaking barriers & accelerating progress

• Looking at how far women have come [09:03].
• Why "you can't be what you can't see" remains a vital concept for encouraging young women to enter male-dominated fields [31:47].
• Critical thinking skills gained in science are applicable to finance, law, policy, and beyond [26:40].

3. Cutting-edge innovations

• Bio-printing to test drugs more accurately and ethically – [28:42] https://www.csiro.au/en/research/health-medical/biomedical/3d-silicone-printing.
• Potential for new technologies to replace traditional injections for diabetics [30:05].
• The role of investing in "deep tech" to solve global challenges [10:15].

4. Advice for students & educators [33:15]

• Don't feel locked into your first degree; STEM is a gateway, not a cage.
• Seek out industry mentoring programs early in your career.
• Focus on building a "problem-solving toolkit" rather than just memorising facts.

Notable Quotes

"My career has been a bit like a butterfly, landing on different flowers... but I pollinate wherever I land and that's what makes me happy." - Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE

"I realised that for every one patient a doctor sees, a researcher can potentially help thousands through a single discovery." - Dr Claretta D’Souza

"STEM teaches you more than just how to make glow-in-the-dark bacteria... it teaches you to be curious about the world and have the critical thinking to answer questions." - Dr Lydia Qian

Useful Links

• STELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schools – www.stelr.org.au
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A university scholarship supporting women in STEM.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClMpxzj_ZQ&list=PLnFiQDVo-kRYqL5UUQ1kv0YpV6E-OpOHT&index=6