Meet Our Role Models
Role models play a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping the future of aspiring young minds. The STEM Enrichment Academy role models are individuals who are achieving remarkable success in their respective fields and are making an impact with ground breaking contributions.
Their significance in the STEM enrichment program is important as they serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding and motivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists. Through their stories and experiences, they instill passion, curiosity, and a sense of purpose, providing invaluable pathways knowledge to our Year 9 girls as they embark on their own STEM journeys.
Adele Mastroyanis
PhD Student
Adele Mastroyannis currently completing a PhD in Marine Biotechnology at Flinders University with Prof. Colin Raston and A. Prof Kirsten Heimann. The project is titled, ‘Biorefinery of South Australian Brown Seaweed Polyphenols and their applications in skin health’ and funded by the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing. The Journey to this point has been a long one. In 2011, she received a Bachelor of Marine Biology at Flinders University. She then pursued a Masters in Biotechnology, followed by a Masters in Secondary school teaching, with a focus on science, maths, home economics and physical education to middle years. She also participated as a teacher in the 2019 STEM enrichment academy and believes it was one of the most beneficial programs to allow the younger generation to see the opportunities outside of traditional education. Inspired, she also now developing educational resources for green chemistry to help students shift their traditional thinking of chemistry to new and exciting opportunities. Adele’s dream is to be a strong female leader and ambassador in South Australia for Marine Biotechnology. She has a strong passion in developing sustainable skin health products within a circular economy, but also drive the next generation of scientists to help this change. She is currently completing an internship with Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre, helping her to fulfill her driven nature to change the world
Amanda Ellis
Professor
Prof. Amanda Ellis is the Head of the School of Chemical and Biomedical at The University of Melbourne, Australia. She is a world-leading expert in carbon nanomaterials, polymer science and DNA nanotechnologies. She graduated with a Ph.D (Applied Chemistry) from the University of Technology, Sydney in 2003. She has undertaken postdocs in the US (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and New Mexico State University) and NZ (as a Foundation of Research Science and Technology Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Callaghan Innovations). In 2006 she commenced at Flinders University, South Australia where she became a Full Professor (2013), an ARC Future Fellow (2014) and acting Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Science and Engineering (2016). In May 2017 she joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne and was the Head of Department (2019-2022). She has secured over $30 M in funding from the ARC and non-ARC sources as well as publishing over 195 peer-reviewed publications (>8500 citations) and holds 6 patents. She has been a recipient of the Royal Australia Chemical Institute (RACI) Margaret Sheil Women in Leadership award (2019) and an Australia Research Council College of Experts panel member (2017-2020), a RACI Board Member (2015-2018) and is currently the President-Elect.
Ayla Orang
Researcher
Ayla is an early career researcher, currently undertaking her second post-doctoral position at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. She previously completed her doctoral studies at Flinders University, and subsequently completed her first postdoctoral position at the Centre for Cancer Biology at the University of South Australia. She has successfully secured two grant fundings and has been recognised by several awards and prizes. Returning after maternity leave Ayla faced the demanding task of balancing her role as a full-time researcher with responsibilities as a new parent. Despite the difficulties, her love for the research served as a driving force that motivated her to endure the hard work required to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ayla enjoys her research as it combines her passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms of life at cellular level with the purpose of contributing to cancer research, which has a significant impact on improving human health and potentially save lives. This field allows her to explore complexities of cancer and work towards finding better treatments and potential cures, making her job deeply rewarding and fulfilling.
Danielle Hughes
PhD Student
Danielle started at Flinders University in 2018, studying a Bachelor of Science (Physics) under the Enhanced Program for High Achievers. Throughout her studies she engaged in research, undertaking semester-long research projects in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, she was awarded a CSE Summer Research Award and continued her work with Associate Professor John Costi. In 2019, as the highest-achieving second-year female physics student, Danielle received the Claire Corani Memorial Prize in Physics. In 2020, she was awarded the Soroptimist International Southern Districts of Adelaide Prize for High Achieving Women in Science. In 2021, Danielle completed the honours year of her degree under the supervision of Professor Jamie Quinton and Professor Sarah Harmer, studying plasma-facing materials for nuclear fusion reactors. She graduated with first class honours and received a university medal to recognise her outstanding academic results. Now undertaking her PhD, Danielle is continuing her research on plasma-facing materials. She is studying the formation of helium bubbles, a type of damage caused by exposure to helium plasma, in nanostructured surfaces. Danielle is passionate about engaging with other young women interested in STEM. She is the 2023 Flinders University student representative for the Australian Institute of Physics SA Branch, and an awardee member of Soroptimist International Southern Districts of Adelaide. Through these roles, she hopes to inspire other young women to seek opportunities in STEM.
Francesca Bucci
Biomedical Engineer
Francesca Bucci is a dedicated biomedical engineer who is passionate about research in the field of Orthopaedic Biomechanics. She holds a master's degree in engineering from the University of Bologna and recently completed her Ph.D. at Flinders University. Currently, she is embarking on a post-doctoral journey at the Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University. Francesca's research focus revolves around understanding the mechanics of the human body, with a specific emphasis on the knee joint and knee replacement mechanics. Through her expertise in biomechanics, she aims to improve patient outcomes by employing innovative approaches and developing personalized models. Her current research project involves collaborating with industry leaders in orthopaedics to develop surgical training models for knee, hip, and spine procedures, aiming to enhance surgical techniques and ultimately benefit patients. Beyond her research, Francesca is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. She takes an active role by organizing the National Biomechanics Day at Flinders, conducting hands-on workshops to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm towards biomechanics. These workshops focus on tibial fracture fixation and motion analysis, encouraging young minds to explore educational pathways and careers in this beautiful and dynamic field. Francesca's passion is fuelled by the extraordinary potential of Orthopaedic Biomechanics to create profound changes in the lives of individuals. She believes that, by combining knowledge, expertise, innovative thinking, scientific advancements, and a genuine sense of care and compassion, biomechanics offers an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact in healthcare and positively transform the well-being of countless individuals.
Gail Jackman
Cyber Security Consultant
Gail is the Cyber Security Training and Event Management Consultant for the Help Desk Association of Australasia (HDAA). Some of her previous roles have included Training Manager for the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), Internships Manager, Scope Global (now Palladium) for Commonwealth Government skills programs and the Industry Liaison Manager/STEM Course Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Gail has qualifications and certifications in cyber security, electronics and communications engineering, training and assessment, project management and several business management qualifications. With a diverse background spanning the Public, Corporate, NFP, Higher Education and Vocational Education Training sectors. Gail has a passion to encourage young people to choose STEM career pathways. She is committed to fostering the advancement of STEM education and career pathways with a strong emphasis on enhancing gender and cultural diversity and inclusivity. Gail volunteers with several NFP organisations, including being an Adelaide Chapter Lead for the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) and a State and National Judge for the Subs in Schools and F1 in Schools programs. She champions ‘Business as a Force for Good’ and has also founded and runs two social enterprises, one in Cambodia. Gail is deeply passionate about the environment, sustainable living and marine conservation, and lives as near as possible zero waste lifestyle. As a certified scuba diver, Gail volunteers with Reef Life Survey (RLS) monitoring the reef health of South Australia's marine parks
Giuseppina Dall'Armi- Stocks
Researcher
Pina obtained her PhD degree in Physics in 1996 from Flinders University. She worked in private industry before joining Defence Science Technology Group in 2000. As a research scientist and then as a senior research scientist Pina has worked on assessing the impact of electromagnetic interference and compatibility of systems for maritime, land, space and air domains. Pina was awarded a Defence Science Fellowship placement at the Naval Postgraduate School, USA. In 2018 she was promoted to Group Leader of the Electromagnetic Characterisation and Effects group, and then Directed Energy and Technologies and Effects Group. In 2021, Pina took on the role as Research Leader of Electronic Warfare Operations oversighting all Radiofrequency and Electro Optics Electronic Warfare and Quantum Technologies Science and Technology (S&T). Her current role is Research Leader Electro Optics Sensing and Electromagnetic Warfare. Pina has published numerous technical reports and papers in her research field and is an advocate of STEM outreach.
India Shackleford
Researcher
India studied a Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Enhanced Program for High Achievers) at Flinders University, specialising in forensic and analytical chemistry. India is a scientist, writer and researcher. While her background is in forensic science, she has conducted research in many areas, including medicinal chemistry (making new cancer drugs), soft robotics and health. India is currently working as an Indigenous Science Writer for Double Helix magazine while studying postgraduate medicine at Flinders University. Outside of her studies, she enjoys painting, running and drinking coffee.
Julia Erceg
Honour's Student
Julia is a High Energy Astrophysics Honour’s student! She loved science, especially space, as a child and carried that passion through to University. She graduated from the Australian Science and Mathematics School and went straight to university to do a Bachelor of Science majoring in Experimental and Theoretical Physics. She then completed an Honour’s year in the High Energy Astrophysics Group at the University of Adelaide. She is currently researching particles called neutrinos and how they are produced in galaxies! She went from a child who had seen every MythBusters and Cosmos episode at least a 100 times, to a scientist in training herself. From being the first woman in her family to graduate high school, let alone University she hopes to be the first to have Dr. in front of her name as well.
Lily Taylor
Optics Specialist
Lily is an Optics Specialist working for the Information Sciences Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in the Australian Department of Defence. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Laser Physics and a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) in experimental and theoretical physics from the University of Adelaide. She started working for DSTG in 2018 where she conducts research into laser satellite communications. Lily has a particular interest in STEM outreach and is a passionate STEM advocate. She has participated in and led many outreach activities for Defence and is a strong advocate for young women and people from regional and remote communities in STEM.
Manjula Sharma
Professor
Professor Manjula Sharma is an internationally and nationally renowned disciplinary based science education research expert with a focus on physics. She is the Director of the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy The University of Sydney, and is serving as Vice Chair of IUPAP Commission C14 on Physics Education. Nationally, she has led several substantive federally Australian government funded projects including SaMnet; and Advancing Science and Engineering through Laboratory Learning, ASELL. She also co-founded the premier Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (ACSME) and the International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education (IJISME). She has over 100 peer-reviewed publications with a H factor of 34 and citations of 3,902 and has supervised several influential PhD students. Her contributions have been recognised through the 2012 Australian Institute for Physics Education Medal, 2013 Australian Learning and Teaching Fellowship, 2019 NSW Science Teachers Association Dedicated Service Award and 2020 Vice-Chancellor’s Special Award for Excellence. Professor Sharma is a Principal Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics and Honorary Fellow of the Teacher’s Guild of New South Wales, Australia.
Michelle Green
IT Company Manager
First female General Manager in Australia for Planit. Over 25 years of financial institution experience specialising in digital banking. Always learning, in life, at work and through study. Mum, wife, favourite auntie, sister and friend. I love walks on the beach, gardening and walking my neighbours Border Collies. In life we learn the most from the biggest challenges! Embrace change and lean into that feeling of being uncomfortable. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way! I love exploring the world.
Nina Welti
Researcher
I am passionate about maximising the impact of innovation and research. Across a 20-year career, I have worked in managed and natural ecosystems in USA, Europe, and Australia leading research efforts that constrains, quantifies, and links the mechanisms of carbon and nitrogen cycling at regional and national scales. My primary research focus is developing biogeochemical tools that provide provenance assurance and verification across agrifood value chains. I have a lead role in developing and strengthening the role science can play in contributing to wide-scale and lasting impacts by rethinking research institutions’ and scientists’ roles, research practices, and the communication of scientific knowledge for CSIRO.
Stefania Peracchi
Researcher
Dr. Stefania Peracchi, 32 years old, born in Italy, is a nuclear physicist and current accelerator scientist and space radiation expert at the Centre for Accelerator Science of ANSTO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, where she conducts research in various projects regarding the effects of space radiation on electronic devices, protective materials, solar panels for propulsion, and astronaut DNA damage. Dr. Peracchi's decade-long experience began after completing a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, followed by two years of research in Paris as a nuclear research engineer at the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety. Dr. Peracchi led a project involving the characterization of cosmic radiation detectors for radiation monitoring in aviation. Subsequently, Dr. Peracchi decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics at the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Her outstanding doctoral thesis, titled "Microdosimetry for radiation protection in space and aviation," received double commendation for its results, including the development of a cosmic particle detector for precise evaluation of astronaut exposure and health risks. As a countermeasure, Dr. Peracchi dedicated part of her research to studying new shielding materials for spacecraft that could more effectively shield radiation. Dr. Peracchi is currently an honorary associate at the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics. Her numerous years of research in nuclear physics have enriched her knowledge in nuclear medicine and radiobiology, which Dr. Peracchi currently applies in her position at ANSTO on projects related to new radiotherapy treatments such as proton therapy. Dr. Peracchi is an internationally recognized researcher: she received the international Paul-Phelps award from the American Society for Space Radiation in 2020, was one of the three winners of the international 3Minutes Thesis Asia Pacific competition in 2020, was nominated for the Bragg Gold Medal by the Australian Institute of Physics in 2021, and recently was recognized among the top 25 Australians whose research is having a global impact through the Global Australian Award 2023. Recently, in April 2024, Dr Peracchi received a medal from the Italian government recognising her scientific career and outstanding international collaborations. The impact of Dr. Peracchi's research is reflected in over 20 publications, more than 40 conferences, science outreach events, educational activities, participation in scientific committees, with the aim of pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration for safer and more sustainable space exploration and more effective cancer fight on Earth.
Susanne Zeile
Researcher
I hold a Master's degree in Biochemistry (University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Germany, 2008) with five years experience in the area of medical and environmental research and six years in the highly regulated environments of pharmaceutical and contract research organizations, as well as medical devices. My well-developed analytical thinking skills having been demonstrated throughout my career through investigating complex issues, decision making and developing solutions. Over the last few years I gained extensive experience in a wide range of validation activities across the lifecycle for product and processes, using risk-based approaches to ensure product quality, compliance, and patient safety. I'm currently working at Affinity Labs, the commercial arm of the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) as their Quality Assurance Manager. I'm passionate about any opportunities to improve processes and prevent errors to ensure that the services provided meet the highest standards. When I'm not at my quality work, I'm a mum of two very active kids and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors wherever I can.
Tania Barone
Astrophysicist
Tania Barone is an astrophysicist studying why the galaxies in our Universe look and behave the way they do. Tania became interested in astronomy as a kid while reading a book about the solar system. Soon her bookshelf was full of astronomy books and every family trip to the Murray River outside of Adelaide was an opportunity to spend time outside stargazing. Tania was fortunate to have supportive family and teachers who encouraged her, helping her learn maths and science to better understand not only the world around her but everything beyond it as well. After finishing school Tania completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide. She then moved to Canberra to complete an Honours degree, followed by a PhD at the Australian National University. Since completing her PhD mid 2021 (and submitting her thesis while in quarantine!) she has worked as a research scientist at Swinburne University in Melbourne. In her spare time, Tania enjoys dance classes at her local studio and learning to garden.
Tiahni Adamson
Conservation Biologist
Tiahni Adamson is a Kaurareg woman and a passionate wildlife conservation biologist. She is a proponent for the participation of First Nations people and women in STEM careers and was recognised as one of Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM and an InDaily South Australian 40 Under 40 for 2023. Tiahni has worked with the CSIRO on Indigenous education programs, trained under Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader in 2019, works as a casual lecturer and tutor at the University of South Australia, is on the National Leadership Team for Seed Mob (Australia’s only First Nations-led youth climate justice group), and was a youth dialogue member for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Tiahni is currently working to mitigate agricultural methane through sustainable aquaculture production of a native seaweed in her role as the Lead Community Engagement Officer at CH4Global, finding ways to walk alongside Traditional Owners while Healing Country. She is also on the board of Green Adelaide, helping to create a cooler, greener and wilder greater Adelaide region. Tiahni has received the Dr Kay Price AM Award for demonstrated excellence in and ambassadorship for STEM, and was also one of two students to be awarded the inaugural Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship from CSIRO’s Marine National Facility. As a regular public speaker, she has spoken to over 1 million people about thought leadership and the intersection of First Nations and Climate Justice. Tiahni was also announced as this year’s 2024 South Australian ‘Young Australian of the Year'.
Veena Sahajwalla
Professor
Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials’ at the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, where she is Founding Director. Professor Veena is the inventor of polymer injection technology, known as green steel, an eco-friendly process for using recycled tyres in steel production. In 2018, Veena launched the world's first e-waste MICROfactorieTM and in 2019 she launched her plastics and Green Ceramics MICROfactoriesTM, a recycling technology breakthrough. Professor Veena is the director of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for ‘microrecycling’, a leading national research centre that works in collaboration with industry to ensure new recycling science is translated into real world environmental and economic benefits. Professor Veena has also been appointed hub leader of the national NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. In 2021, Professor Veena featured in the ABC’s Australian Story and she was named the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of her work. Professor Veena was named the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes winner for the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and was also awarded the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Innovation Award. In 2023, Professor Veena was awarded the Engineering Australia Chemical College Chemical Engineer Achievement Award and the Good Design 2023 Women in Design Award.
Victoria Rowe
Honour's Student
Victoria is a first-year student at Flinders University, studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Enhanced Program for High Achievers, majoring in Physics. She was one of the alumni/participants of Flinders University’s 2019 STEM Enrichment programs.
Zoe Doubleday
Researcher
Zoe is a research scientist and leads the MARIS lab at the University of South Australia (www.marislab.org). Her research spans marine ecology, fisheries, and animal biology with outcomes that support conservation, sustainable seafood production, and food security. Zoe works with geoscientists to develop innovative tools to track the movement of animals and the provenance of food products, and is an internationally recognised expert on octopus and other cephalopods. Everything Zoe does is underpinned by her mission to ensure science is not hidden behind closed doors but is communicated to the broader community. She is passionate about science communication and storytelling, and works regularly with radio, TV, and print media in Australia and overseas.
Zoe Gardner
PhD Student
Zoe is a PhD student at Flinders University specialising in green chemical applications for the Vortex Fluidic Device, which is essentially a very fast spinning test tube. Zoe received a Bachelor of Science (Clean Technology) from Flinders in 2019, during which she received a New Columbo Plan scholarship. In 2020 she completed her Honours degree under the supervision of Professor Colin Raston, researching a new method to make Indium and Gallium nanomaterials for which she achieved a first-class honours degree. Now undertaking her PhD, her field of research is in small molecular synthesis under flow and understanding the fluid flow at sub-micron dimensions. This year she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to undertake 6 months research in Irvine, California. Zoe hopes to be part of a network of scientists driving sustainability and change in chemistry, to make a difference in our communities by reducing emissions.