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.

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.

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.

She previously completed her doctoral studies at Flinders University, and subsequently completed my 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.