We congratulate nine talented and emerging STEM leaders awarded an esteemed Science Meets Parliament scholarship for 2025!
These scholarships enable participation from a diverse cohort of emerging STEM leaders across Australia, reflecting STA’s leadership as a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion.
With the support of our sponsors, scholarships in six categories were awarded: Disability, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, Regional and remote, and Technology. The scholarships are generously sponsored by abbvie, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), Cerebral Palsy Alliance, CropLife Australia, NCI Australia, Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and Poche SA+NT at Flinders University.
The judges for the scholarships had a tremendous task to select the final recipients from a brilliant field of applicants. We commend all the applicants on their ongoing leadership in STEM across their individual fields.
The scholarships include access to the entire Science Meets Parliament event program, a meeting with a Parliamentarian, and the national gala dinner.
#SMP2025 scholarship recipients:
Alexandra Ikpe is a PhD candidate whose research focuses on the movement and dietary analysis of tiger sharks along the east coast of Australia. Alexandra gathers critical data by using satellite tracking tags on mature male tiger sharks to assess whether this species exhibits sex-biased movement and dispersal. This information is critical to help understand population structure, ecological impact, and conservation needs of this species. As a researcher with ADHD, Alexandra brings unique problem-solving perspectives to marine science and is passionate about understanding these vital ocean predators to support their conservation.
Bundjalung data analyst Eva Hopewell brings together Indigenous perspectives and technical expertise in her work advancing cultural safety in technology education. As an honours researcher, her project focuses on developing frameworks to ensure technology education is culturally responsive and inclusive. Drawing from her experience as a data analyst and her intersectional identity as a First Nations woman living with chronic illness and ADHD, Eva works to create more equitable spaces in the tech industry while advancing the field of data analytics.
Gumbaynggirr and Biripi structural engineer Grant Maher brings two decades of expertise to his role as director of the Jabin Group, an Indigenous-owned engineering consultancy. As Chairman of the Indigenous Engineers Group, Grant works to create pathways and opportunities for First Nations people in engineering. His extensive experience spans facades, structural design, project management, and fabrication, demonstrating leadership in both technical excellence and Indigenous representation in the engineering field.
Dr. Maryam Farzadkhoo is a Senior Floodplain Scientist at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, focusing on flood modelling, and flood prevention and preparedness. She contributes to key projects, including the Statewide Flood Warning Improvements, supported by the Emergency Response Fund, aimed at enhancing early warning systems to help communities manage the impacts of extreme flood events. As Chair of Women of Water and Co-Chair of the Climate for Water Modelling Community of Practice, she brings scientists, engineers, and policymakers to address climate-related challenges through knowledge-sharing and practical technological solutions.
Sarah Chapman is a passionate STEM advocate from rural North Queensland, dedicated to empowering regional girls in science. As a secondary science educator and leader of the Townsville STEM Hub, she has engaged over 10,000 young people and communities. Nationally, Sarah has championed diversity as Co-Chair of Women in STEMM Australia and globally as a Barbara Cail STEM Fellow, publishing key strategies for STEM engagement with the Australian Government. In 2024, she stepped away from teaching to launch STEM Changemakers, a volunteer initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of regional girls in STEM.
Sarah Tyler is a proud member of the LGBTIQ+ community and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in science. At ANSTO, Sarah played a pivotal role in designing the award-winning Basics in Nuclear Literacy course, recognised for excellence in 2023. Building on its success, she developed exclusive training programs, including ANSTO’s internal Nuclear Literacy course and a collaborative Nuclear Stewardship course with ANU and the Defence Security College. These initiatives have significantly enhanced ANSTO’s training capabilities, equipping professionals from Defence and government agencies with vital nuclear expertise.
Siyuan Wu is a researcher and lecturer at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, where he combines mathematics and biology to tackle complex biological processes like cell-fate determination and gene regulation. His innovative work, recognised through grants on breast cancer modelling and AI applications in immunotherapy, demonstrates the vital role of mathematics in medical breakthroughs. As a regional academic, Siyuan addresses challenges like limited resources and declining enrolments in fundamental sciences, using his teaching and research to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Tim Harte is a PhD researcher advancing sustainable energy technologies by optimising solid polymer electrolytes for applications like supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, promoting recyclability and circular economy principles. As President of Physical Disability Australia and Pacific Representative for the Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities, Tim advocates for disability rights globally. He also contributes to policy, equity, and inclusion through roles with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and international chemistry committees.
Tully Mahr, a proud Gundungurra woman, is pursuing a Master of Mechanical Engineering in Aerospace at the University of Melbourne, following a Bachelor of Science from ANU. Her passion for space led her to the 2023 National Indigenous Space Academy, where she interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing to an astrobiology project on hydrothermal vents and she continues this research currently. She is also committed to STEM outreach with Indigenous Australians, inspiring future First Nations scientists through workshops. Tully is passionate about using STEM to empower marginalised communities.
Scholarship Partners for #SMP2025
