Simon Caroll

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Representing: Western Australia Museum

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Simon is a  Research Associate at the Western Australian Museum following the role as Head of Science there. He has been passionate about science all his life, in particular, programs that encourage society to recognise and engage in science as a means of appreciating the benefits of the natural world. 

 

His career has spanned many areas of biomedical science and its application to human health through commercialising technologies. After studying internationally in the field of molecular biology and holding senior executive posts in science-based organisations, including CSIRO and AusBiotech, he became the Director of the Western Australian Biomedical Research at Curtin University. Later, Simon was the Director of Science Partnerships at Scitech overseeing ScienceNetwork WA, the role out of the Inspiring Australia Initiative in WA, and chairing the National Science Week Committee (2012-16).

Representing: City of Canning

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Vanessa is the Coastal & Marine Program Coordinator at Perth NRM, developing environmental restoration projects with industry partners and hosting community capacity and awareness-raising events. Vanessa has extended herself over various science industries in WA, from STEM engagement and science communication with schools via the Murdoch University Outreach Program, to sustainability and waste reduction projects with the City of Canning.

 

"I have big plans towards a sustainable and waste-free future for my community. My passion is to create long-lasting projects that have positive change and connect people to science and the environment"

Representing: ChemCentre

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Jane has a background in communications and a passion for science. She is fairly new at ChemCentre, having stepped into the role of Communication and Outreach Officer during the recent global pandemic.

 

Jane has always enjoyed where her career has taken her - from planning and delivering Scitech’s Outreach programs, to media and publicity responsibilities at the Western Australian Museum, she always has a smile on her face when she goes to work.

Representing: Science Teachers Association Western Australia

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John is the CEO of the Science Teachers' Association of Western Australia (STAWA). Primary and secondary science teachers are supported by the association through; Conferences, professional learning program development and delivery, and writing and publishing teacher and student resources.

 

John has a BAppSc, Grad Dip Sc Ed. From Curtin University and 28 Years teaching experience across all sectors, including 3 years in curriculum development and 18 years as Head of Science 1989-2006. John has authored published textbook; Unit Science Series 8-10 (1989-1999), and Co-authored Pearson Chemistry for WA (2016).

 

His current role includes advocacy and liaison with government, university, and education authorities. He has worked across projects including the Synergy School Solar Challenge, Science Talent Search and Physics Day at Adventure World.

Gina Pearse

 

Representing: Curtin University

 

Gina is a STEM Outreach Coordinator at Curtin University, organising events and programs that engage school students and the general public with STEM, and research at Curtin.

 

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Her science training was in biology, but while completing her degree she discovered Science Communication and realised that was where her real passion lay. She completed a Master in Science Communication at Australian National University, and after many years of working in outreach on various projects, she is still passionate about communicating science, and raising awareness amongst young people of the opportunities and benefits of STEM careers.

​Representing: CSIRO

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Simone is a Program Manager within CSIRO's Mineral Resources division. She has worked in science research for over 25 years in private industry, for universities and at CSIRO, previously working within agricultural research as a laboratory technician and field-based scientist.

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Simone currently assists with the Autonomous Sensors Future Science Platform (AS FSP) project to design and implement processes that ensure effective operation. The AS FSP will provide new advanced sensing and platform technologies for the environmental monitoring, health monitoring, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing domains.

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As a passionate science educator she has always supported STEM based initiatives by actively participating in CSIRO’s STEM Professional in Schools Program. She is also on a School Board as their Community Representative and works closely with the Specialist Science teacher at the school.

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"National Science Week is continuing to gain momentum in our communities and it such an honour to be a part of the engine room."

Representing: Edith Cowan University

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For 20 years, Michelle has developed and delivered outreach and engagement programs as well as student ambassador / mentoring programs in both the UK and WA. She has spent the majority of her career in the university sector while also founding her own training and recruitment agency.

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In Perth, Michelle has focused on building the outreach team at Murdoch University, and for the past four years, has worked as the Science Engagement Coordinator (Science and Mathematics) at Edith Cowan University.

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Michelle is passionate about the empowering nature of education and the opportunities studying can present. 

Imogen Winsborough

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Representing: Inspiring Australia

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Imogen is the Inspiring Australia Manager for Western Australia, aligning WA with national science engagement goals. She is also the Community Partnership Advisor at Scitech. 

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Imogen obtained a Bachelor degree in Biotechnology from The University of Adelaide. Having found that there was a gap between research and public knowledge she became interested in promoting STEM and its applications to everyday life. She obtained a Master in Marketing before joining the Space industry to deliver STEM engagement programs to schools. 

Representing: Murdoch University

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Dr Keal Byrne is a physicist and science educator, with a particular passion for the science of light.

 

Keal graduated from UWA in 2009 with a BSc(Hons)\BA in physics and philosophy, and in 2014 completed his PhD on the colour-changing properties of pink diamonds. During his career, Keal has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian Institution and has designed innovative educational programs for university students here in Perth. He is currently a member of Murdoch University’s Outreach team, where he leads science education and engagement initiatives for school audiences.

Representing: University of Western Australia

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Tara is the Student Equity Manager at the University of Western Australia, advocating and supporting students from diverse backgrounds to enter and succeed in higher education.

 

Tara is passionate about connecting traditionally underrepresented groups into STEM including girls and women, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and regional and remote areas. She combines her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Business Administration (Social Impact) to promote the social, financial and personal benefits of STEM education and interest for all West Australians.