Published on the 3rd December 2020 by ANSTO Staff
A physicist who has developed a new approach to treat cancer and an innovative COVID-19 strategy, a macromolecular crystallography beamline scientist who has supported COVID-19 research and an Engineering Support Workshop Manager who produces specialised parts for the OPAL multipurpose reactor have been named Australia’s official Superstars of STEM by Science & Technology Australia.
Dr Mitra Safavi Naeini (above left), Dr Eleanor Campbell (above centre), and Bianca Shepherd (above right) are among 60 outstanding women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who want to step into the spotlight as media champions for STEM.
Today the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews officially announced those selected for Science & Technology Australia’s game-changing Superstars of STEM program in 2021-22.
Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the Superstars of STEM program sets out to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician look like – these powerful role models show girls that STEM is for them.”
Mitra said she was honoured to have been chosen from a very competitive national field, and that "It was a great way to end a year in which our NCEPT project achieved some major international successes and our ANSTO/nandin teams won three straight hackathons."
“It has been a difficult year with COVID-19, but I have been fortunate to be part of a team supporting researchers from around the world studying the virus. The Australian Synchrotron produces great science and I'm passionate about communicating what we do here." said Eleanor.
Bianca said she was looking forward to being a spokesperson for women in trade professions and the chance to highlight the great engineering of ANSTO’s infrastructure.
ANSTO is very committed to STEM outreach activities through its education program and public engagement initiatives. There were nine women from ANSTO from ANSTO who reached the semi-final status.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the next 60 Superstars of STEM will participate in the program in 2021 and 2022.
Read more on the Science and Technology Australia website.
Contact
Marina Sara
Scientists
Dr Mitra Safavi Naenin
