Aug 26

Growing our future: STEM careers inspiring the next generation

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 BioSTEMProfessor 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 ThinkingSystems 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 TechOff-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 LinksSTELR Program: ATSE's national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.auATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.auNational Science Week: Australia's annual celebration of science and technology – www.science.net.auWatch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZDm5MdWQgc

Aug 11

Science on Country: First Nation's knowledge in modern STEM

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 Points1. Diverse Career Pathways & First Nations Representation in STEMProfessor 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 GenomicsThe 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 ImmunotherapyPrecision 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 LinksSTELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.auATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.auNational Center for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG): ncig.anu.edu.au Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-L5trG4zIk

Apr 2

Healing the World - Health science careers for global impact

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.auATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.auMedChem 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

Mar 11

Shape Our Future: An interview with Dr Cathy Foley

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 STEMSuperconductors & quantum sensingScience leadership during COVIDResilience in researchThe 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.auNobel 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

Mar 5

Balancing the scales - Women shaping the future of STEM

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 LinksSTELR Program: ATSE’s national STEM education initiative – www.stelr.org.auSKA Telescope: Learn more about the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope – www.skao.intATSE (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering): www.atse.org.au Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfi9qY5GKYM

11/11/2025

Unleashing the atom – Unlocking the world of nuclear science and tech

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 MedicineKey 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 scientistIt’s important to build networks to succeed as a young professional - https://www.ausygn.orgNotable 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 LinksIAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship: Global program for women in nuclear science – iaea.orgSTELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schoolsElevate 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

09/18/2025

Future proofing the planet – Careers powering the energy transition

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 AureconLinden Blair - Head of Power Development (West Coast and Offshore) at Alinta EnergyKey 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.comVolunteer 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 LinksSTELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schoolsElevate 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

07/31/2025

Traditional Knowledge – Empowering STEM for the next generation

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 SydneyNicole Boyd - PhD Candidate & Elevate Scholar Key Discussion Points1. 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 LinksSTELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): ATSE’s national STEM education initiative for schoolsElevate 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

STELR Shape Your Future

Growing our future: STEM careers inspiring the next generation

Science on Country: First Nation's knowledge in modern STEM

Healing the World - Health science careers for global impact

Shape Our Future: An interview with Dr Cathy Foley

Balancing the scales - Women shaping the future of STEM

Unleashing the atom – Unlocking the world of nuclear science and tech

Future proofing the planet – Careers powering the energy transition

Traditional Knowledge – Empowering STEM for the next generation

About

Information

STELR Shape Your Future

Episodes

Growing our future: STEM careers inspiring the next generation

Science on Country: First Nation's knowledge in modern STEM

Healing the World - Health science careers for global impact

Shape Our Future: An interview with Dr Cathy Foley

Balancing the scales - Women shaping the future of STEM

Unleashing the atom – Unlocking the world of nuclear science and tech

Future proofing the planet – Careers powering the energy transition

Traditional Knowledge – Empowering STEM for the next generation

About

Information