Science & Technology Australia congratulates nine brilliant and emerging STEM leaders on winning prestigious Science Meets Parliament scholarships for 2024.
These highly-contested scholarships were awarded in four categories this year – First Nations, LGBTIQA+, Rural and Remote, and Technology.
The scholarships are generously sponsored by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (First Nations), the Australian Academy of Science (First Nations), the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (Technology), the Australian Technology Network of Universities (LGBTQIA+), CropLife Australia (Rural and Remote), Pawsey Supercomputing Centre (Rural and Remote), Poche SA+NT (First Nations), and Sanofi (First Nations x 2).
The scholarship judges said it was a mammoth task selecting the final recipients from such an exceptional field of applicants – and commended all applicants on their ongoing STEM leadership in their respective fields and sectors.
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.
The scholarships include access to the entire Science Meets Parliament event program, a meeting with a Parliamentarian, and the national gala dinner.
This year’s inspiring First Nations Scholarship recipients are Brianna Gordon, Danielle Kampers, Dr Katrina Wruck, Landon Brady, and Laura-Jane Phoenix Singh. First Nations scholarships are generously sponsored by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, the Australian Academy of Science, Sanofi (x 2) and Poche SA+NT.
Brianna Gordon is a Wiradjuri PhD candidate and APS First Nations Policy Officer. Brianna is tackling environmental contamination, specifically heavy metal contamination from the Gold Rush on Wiradjuri Country through chemical analysis, on-Country yarning with Traditional Custodians and creative, Indigenous-led artwork – a first-of-its-kind approach interweaving Indigenous and Western Knowledge systems to create enriched, holistic, mutually beneficial scientific outputs.
Danielle Kampers is a proud Wardandi–Noongar woman with a bloodline to the southwest Boojarah region of Western Australia – this is her father’s Country. Danielle is a Fulbright Postgraduate scholar and works as a marine scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Noongar Boodja (Perth). As a 2024 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholar, Danielle’s research will offer deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying the formation of harmful algae blooms (HABs), which threaten the viability of aquaculture practices and present serious health risks to humans. This research has the potential to help address climate change impacts, contribute to algae bloom monitoring techniques and mitigate risks to human health.
Mabuigilaig/Goemulgal chemical engineer Dr Katrina Wruck, who has ancestral roots in the saltwater people of Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait Islands, has made outstanding contributions to chemistry, mainly through her work to eradicate “forever chemicals” and clean up mining waste using green chemistry techniques. Currently seconded to the University of Melbourne, Katrina’s research focuses on the electrochemical destruction of PFAS “forever chemicals” using an innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient method specifically designed for treating Antarctic meltwater.
Gamilaraay environmental scientist Landon Brady has brought his scientific and Indigenous knowledge to various roles, including to CSIRO in the Indigenous Land and Water Research team and to local government as an environmental regulation expert. Landon is passionate about Indigenous land and sea sustainable management and the importance of Indigenous science as a foundation for such environmental management. Working with geographically diverse Traditional Owners across his career has spurred Landon to look deeper into environmental health and its effects on public health, and he is pursuing postgraduate studies to bring the intersections of environmental and preventative health together.
Quandmooka/Wiradjuri academic Laura-Jane Phoenix Singh is Associate Head of School (First Nations Engagement) at the School of Life and Environmental Science at Deakin University. Laura-Jane’s work mainly focuses on ensuring knowledge systems and perspectives of First Nations people are integrated into education, creating safe spaces for First Nations students, especially in STEM fields where equal representation is crucial. Laura-Jane is working on two significant projects: the ACDS Framework for Indigenous Curricular in Science Project and a formalised study and terminology guide for researchers and academics in life and environmental science.
The LGBTQIA+ Scholarship – generously sponsored by the Australian Technology Network of Universities – is awarded to Michelle Sims.
Slice of Science creator/host and PhD candidate Michelle Sims is a passionate science communicator and researcher. Michelle’s doctoral studies focus on understanding the relationship between microbes and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a group of 5000–9000 synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, high cholesterol, low birth weight, and hormone and immune disruption. As a bisexual/queer woman with lived experience of growing up in a rural town with no LGBTQIA+ representation, Michelle is proud to have received the LGBTQIA+ scholarship as it aligns with her personal and professional goals of promoting diversity and inclusivity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Nnamdi Eseme and Rebecca Thistlethwaite are the outstanding recipients of the Regional and Remote Scholarship, generously sponsored by Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and CropLife Australia.
Biomedical scientist Nnamdi Eseme is a PhD candidate at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research working to better understand the role of early-life health literacy in preventing cardiovascular disease among rural Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With vast experience researching the broader global health issues affecting young people, women and children across Africa and Europe, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, gender equality and access to life-saving medicines, Nnamdi has a passion for tackling global health issues, especially in areas of Australia with poorer cardiovascular health outcomes.
Rebecca Thistlethwaite is a plant breeding research associate whose career has followed her passion to overcome challenges in global food security through sustainable food production and reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on climate change. Rebecca’s research focuses on enhancing food crop yields, especially under adverse climatic conditions. Rebecca’s knowledge and unique perspective, grounded in hands-on agricultural research, positions her as a valuable contributor to discussions surrounding global food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.
The Technology Scholarship – generously sponsored by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering – is awarded to Dr Caitlin Curtis.
Research fellow at UQ’s Centre for Policy Futures Dr Caitlin Curtis explores applied ethics of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and genomics, through her interdisciplinary research. Caitlin uses mixed research methods to better understand technology’s ethical impacts on society and promote equitable benefits for all of society. Her work in AI looks at perceptions to better understand public trust drivers, attitudes toward AI risks and benefits, and public views on AI governance. Additionally, her work in genomics encourages human rights-based practices that are inclusive and consider diverse perspectives.
