Karlie Noon

Karlie Noon has been appointed the Sydney Observatory's first astronomy ambassador. Canberra, August 20, 2020. Photo: Rhett Wyman/SMH

Karlie Noon

Astronomy Ambassador

Museum of Applied Arts and Science

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the oldest scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians in human history, yet are rarely acknowledged for their achievements or discoveries. Amplifying the astronomical accomplishments of Australia's First Nations peoples is something Gamilaray woman, Karlie Noon is passionate about. For almost a decade, Karlie has been dedicated to making science accessible to people all across Australia.

Karlie was the first female, Indigenous Australian to graduate with combined degrees in mathematics and science after graduating in 2016 from the University of Newcastle. She has since completed a Masters of Astronomy and Astrophysics Advanced degree from the Australian National University in 2019,  in which she received a high distinction for her research into the Milky Way galaxy.

Karlie has been involved in a variety of national and local activities, including television appearances on ABC’s The Drum and BBC’s Stargazing Live program, and hosts a weekly stargazing segment on ABC Canberra radio.

In addition to radio and television, Karlie has almost a decade of experience in speaking to live audiences and school groups. She has presented at the Opera House, Google Headquarters, Microsoft, Parliament House, World Science Festival - Brisbane, and hundreds of schools across the country.