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A lot about what it is to be human is understanding who we are and where we came from, whether that's genetically, geographically, or otherwise. But what if we zoomed out and approached it at a galaxy level? What could we learn about who we are, what we understand about the universe, and what humans are capable of achieving? Sabine Bellstedt is an astronomer working on the epidemiology of space and on large scale projects with international teams not only to understand the universe, but how we understand the universe. Join us as we speak with Sabine about her journey to astrophysics, space epidemiology, and the impact of astronomical innovation. About Sabine Bellstedt Sabine Bellstedt is an astronomer who works with enormous galaxy surveys. These are large international projects that collect data for millions of galaxies, with the goal of piecing together the evolution of galaxies and the Universe more broadly across almost 14 billion years of cosmic time. Sabine likes to work with intricate new software and tools to interpret and understand these data, to extract new information about galaxies and the stars within them. Show Notes (link) [00:01:06] Sabine's journey to astronomy. [00:02:41] Astronomic serendipity. [00:04:14] Where Sabine thought the future would take her. [00:05:34] The epidemiology of space. [00:08:22] The problem of determining which bits of data are important. [00:09:55] The significance and impact of large-scale infrastructure projects. [00:11:40] The societal benefit we receive from large-scale research and development. [00:15:04] Curiosity-driven development is valuable. [00:15:44] What we can learn from galactic and extra-galactic surveys. [00:18:06] Galaxies as a tracer. [00:18:39] Tracing the paths of celestial bodies. [00:20:59] Learning about how we learn about the universe. [00:24:06] The sticky problem of finding just the right amount of complexity. [00:25:47] The also sticky problem of the carbon footprint of astronomy. [00:31:49] How women and diversity contributes to the sciences. [00:35:00] The nuances of "You can't be what you can't see". [00:37:01] Balancing criteria with the intangibles that only you can bring to a role. [00:40:29] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? [00:43:10] Find out more about Sabine and astronomy. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics -...

We have to get past this stigma over talking about wee, poo, and other toileting activities. It's something that we have to do every day, and if you're not, you should really be speaking to someone about that. Because continence is something that we all should be proactive about no matter our age or gender. Sheena Lagat is a wee wee nurse. Specifically, a continence and urogynaecology clinical nurse consultant. Join us as we speak about Sheena's journey to urology and continence nursing, why we should care more about our plumbing, and the personal, economic, and environmental impact of incontinence. About Sheena Lagat Sheena Lagat is a Continence & UroGynaecology Clinical Nurse Consultant at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, with a strong commitment to advancing clinical practice and patient-centred care. An active leader in urology and continence nursing, she holds multiple post-graduate qualifications and roles within the Australia & New Zealand Urological Nurses Society (ANZUNS) and the Special Interest Group of the European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN), focusing on professional development, staff upskilling, and patient empowerment. Her guiding motto is, "Make every moment count by giving back and inspiring others." Show Notes (link) [00:01:13] When your family hosts an intervention about your choice of career. [00:04:10] The transition to urology nursing. [00:05:55] How experiences and perspectives support different ways to care in healthcare. [00:09:22] The need for advocacy in certain areas of healthcare. [00:11:39] The stereotypes and stigma around urology and continence care. [00:16:36] Don't limit your healthcare by thinking "I'm just getting old". [00:16:57] The state of preventative and rehabilitative treatment. [00:19:21] Personal training for your pelvic area. [00:23:28] The economic and environmental impact of continence and incontinence. [00:28:16] The psychological and social impact of continence and incontinence. [00:29:26] The social inequity and accessibility issues of continence and incontinence. [00:32:38] Redefining continence nursing. [00:38:11] Healthy habits to look after your bladder and bowel. [00:47:11] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Cultures have an incredible impact on our society, and not just anthropologically. Cultures in a microbial context have an equally significant impact on the industries that allow us to live the lives that we want. Jayashree Srinivasan is a microbiologist specialising in biotechnology and microbial research. Join us as we speak about Jaya's journey to cultivating cultures, the intersectionality of culture and identity, and the complementary nature of being both scientist and pastry chef. About Jayashree Srinivasan Jayashree Srinivasan is a microbiologist at CSIRO, where she applies her expertise in biotechnology and microbial research. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology in India and completed a Master of Science by Research at RMIT in collaboration with CSIRO. In addition to her scientific career, Jayashree is a qualified pastry chef and co-owns a cake decorating business with her best friend. She proudly identifies as a lesbian of colour and is passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Show Notes (link) [00:01:10] The immersive pressure to pursue science and biology. [00:04:06] Taking advantage of the opportunities available. It was… a lot. [00:05:30] There's the 'obvious' next step, and there's following your bliss to become a pastry chef. [00:07:01] Hearing the call back to science. [00:08:09] Jaya's interest in the translational space of science. [00:08:56] The benefit of an expectation circuit breaker. [00:10:11] Looking for something more and the return to sciences. [00:12:15] Industrial biotechnology and production processes. [00:15:38] Every day looks a bit different. [00:16:57] The applications of industrial biotechnology and microbiology. [00:18:16] A day in the life of a cultivating cultures. [00:20:42] The importance of using a baseline in cell cultures. [00:23:00] Testing developmental antibiotics against known pathogens. [00:24:40] Watch as Michele is mentally overcome with questions about pathogens. [00:25:14] Protocols for culturing pathogens. [00:27:22] On Indian, queer, and migrant identity. [00:32:25] Perceptions, stereotypes, and expectation management. [00:34:48] Queerness and the Westernisation of identity. [00:38:28] Life hack: Have you considered having your coming out peer reviewed? [00:40:35] You can't learn who you are if you don't have the space to be who you are. [00:45:42] Balancing being both microbiologist and pastry chef. [00:49:41] The transferable skills between Jaya's skill sets. [00:51:05] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van...

Changes in career aren't a divergence from a path. The common thread is you, your experience, and how you can apply what you know in a difference space. Zaneta Mascarenhas is Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Swan. Join us as we speak about Zaneta's journey through engineering and resources, climate action, and politics -- and hear about how community and impact ties all of that together. About Zaneta Mascarenhas MP Zaneta Mascarenhas MP is the Federal Member for Swan and sits in the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament. Zaneta, a chemical engineer, was elected to Parliament in 2022 and serves on the Industry, Science and Resources Standing Committee, the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water Standing Committee, and the Joint Statutory Committee on Corporations and Financial Services. Prior to her election, Zaneta managed the West Australian team for Energetics, Australia’s leading carbon and energy consultancy, where she provided energy efficiency and climate change advice to the resources industry and various WA ASX200 companies, access to the Emissions Reduction Fund, and the development of emissions inventories and audits. She was selected to be trained by Al Gore to deliver Climate Reality Project presentations in 2009 and has also worked for the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Community Led Total Sanitation as part of AusAid’s Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program. Zaneta has a strong track record in not-for-profit governance, having served six different boards including education institutions and a community legal centre. As the first engineer elected as the Member for Swan and the 28th in the Parliament of Australia, Zaneta applies her planning and problem-solving skills to developing policy, including the transition to a less carbon intensive economy and developing Australia’s high tech industrial capacity. Show Notes (link) [00:00:48] Zaneta's childhood experiences and exposure to sciences and the world around her. [00:04:00] How your environment shapes your perceptions of an industry. [00:07:27] The evolution of culture and safety in the workplace in the mining industry. [00:12:04] Observations about organisational culture in an organically culturally diverse industry. [00:14:48] The impetus and shift to climate change. [00:18:16] Working in the climate change space and perspectives of impact and timescales. [00:23:49] Policy and politics. [00:26:33] Working not just for now, but for the future. [00:31:19] Systems thinking and transferrable experience. [00:38:28] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by

Having a penpal can be a life-changing experience. You can connect with someone over shared and unique experiences, and learn about a life or environment different from your own. It can even give you the opportunity to broaden your perspective about the world and your place in it. Jennifer Payne is a research scientist in the area of antimicrobial resistance and founder of STEMPals, an initiative that connects kids with STEM professionals. Join us as we chat about Jen's journey to microbiology, superbugs, and how having a penpal can create connection and change lives through a mutual love of Pokémon, being a Swifty, and STEM. About Dr Jennifer Payne Have you ever wondered how we can outsmart infections that resist even our most potent drugs? Dr Jennifer Payne delves into this challenge daily as a research scientist. Growing up in a small country town, she had no idea what a scientist was. Today, she’s tackling antimicrobial resistance, a global problem by unraveling the complex interactions between our immune system, microbes, and antimicrobials. Jen’s groundbreaking work includes fellowships at Harvard University, where she used “infections on a chip” to observe the real-time battle between superbugs and our immune defenses. Passionate about STEM literacy for all, she founded a not-for-profit that runs STEMpals—a pen pal program inspired by her upbringing, ensuring the next generation can see who they can become. When not battling microbes, and inspiring the next STEM generation, Jen fosters greyhounds and has represented Australia in ultimate frisbee on the world stage. Show Notes (link) [00:01:16] The story of Little Jen. [00:03:44] What did Michele want to be when she grew up? [00:06:04] From microbes to immune systems. [00:08:22] The diabolical beauty of golden staph and how to combat it. [00:10:47] Putting golden staph up in neon lights. [00:14:23] The complexity of drug research and development and getting solutions from bench to bedside. [00:17:54] Perspectives on the value of medicines and the cost to keep them available. [00:21:49] Jen and Michele: wearers of many hats. [00:24:18] Keeping momentum and balance. [00:28:28] All about STEMpals. [00:32:01] The engagement, outcomes, and experience of being part of STEMpals. [00:37:43] Getting a STEMpal. [00:40:16] Cultivating positive STEM experiences and scientific literacy in 10-13 year olds for their futures. [00:42:52] Who can be STEMpals and the breadth of scope of STEM. [00:46:09] How the community can support STEMpals. [00:47:12] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This...

Nurses don't get enough credit for what they do. Despite being an essential role in healthcare, it's still an often misunderstood and underrated field, but one that has immense scope for professional development and medical specialisation. Ellen Yeo is a Clinical Nurse Consultant specialising in Renal Medicine and Kidney Transplantation Clinical Trials. She's also a nursing education and career pathway advocate. Join us as we speak about Ellen's journey to clinical trial nursing, supporting professional and career development of nurses, and the STEMM of nursing. About Ellen Yeo Ellen Yeo (BN, MPH, MHM) is a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) in Renal Medicine and Kidney Transplant Research at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital in Sydney. With over a decade of nursing experience in both private and public sectors, her recent focus has been on addressing critical gaps in standardised education, workforce engagement, and career progression within the clinical trials nursing specialty. Emphasising the belief that "it takes a village" to enact systemic change, she has brought the community together within the Sydney Local Health District to develop practical solutions to these challenges. Show Notes (link) [00:01:27] Ellen's path to nursing. [00:03:50] Taking a career 'leap year' to travel around her field. [00:05:10] Exploring beyond specialty knowledge and job criteria. [00:07:29] Ellen's road to renal medicine and a chance appointment. [00:09:50] The difference between ward nursing and clinical trials nursing. [00:12:08] The pathway from ward nursing to clinical trials nursing. [00:14:09] The clinical trial nursing environment. [00:15:55] The misconceptions around the role of nurses in clinical trials. [00:19:04] Developing a program to smooth the transition. [00:21:54] Research and nursing go hand in hand. [00:24:04] The opportunity to see how education in healthcare works in other countries. [00:25:39] Educational placement opportunities in nursing. [00:26:29] The roles in clinical research nursing. [00:28:29] Specialis ations, remuneration, and industry recognition in nursing. [00:31:54] Formalising the pathway to clinical trials nursing benefits nurses and patients. [00:35:10] Commonality in clinical trials nursing practice. [00:36:47] The wish to be able to provide the best care for clinical trial patients who are helping to advance treatments for others like them. [00:37:36] Nursing is STEM. [00:41:18] Ellen the artist and composer. [00:43:50] What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party

Not everyone has that pivotal moment where they realise what they want to do with their life, and that's okay. The important thing is to be open to ideas and opportunities even if they may take you a different direction. Rumee Singh is the CEO and co-founder of Rahat and a Tech Entrepreneur. Join us as Rumee shares the full-circle journey that brought her home, and building solutions that make an impact in her community. About Rumee Singh Rumee Singh, CEO of a UNICEF Innovation Fund portfolio startup, leads Rahat, a financial access platform addressing climate impact and fostering inclusion for the most vulnerable. Rumee started her entrepreneurial journey after moving back to Nepal in 2018. With over 20 years of global leadership, Rumee Singh is celebrated among Nepal's leading women in tech; a 2023 MIT Solver and is featured in the Women for Change 2024 global campaign. Rumee's work through Rahat has positively impacted 20,000+ beneficiaries. As a GSMA Innovation Fund grantee, her team is currently working to streamline efforts for timely humanitarian responses for vulnerable households in flood-prone regions. Rumee also founded a non-profit addressing the stress of blood management in Nepal, and her initiative has saved over 23,000 lives. Show Notes (link) [00:01:03] Following the familial STEM path. [00:03:12] The concern that it felt 'wrong' to not know your direction in life. [00:03:57] The pivot to journalism and communications. [00:05:12] The journey home and connecting with community. [00:07:14] So, what now? Deciding what comes next. [00:07:51] A reminder of what has always been important to her. [00:08:44] Hamro Lifebank and the digital transformation of blood management. [00:14:11] Rumsan, and leveraging technology for social impact. [00:15:15] Exploring blockchain as a tool. [00:15:40] Rahat, to support transparency in tracking humanitarian aid and reaching the underbanked. [00:17:08] The challenges of pioneering with new technology and the value of industry support. [00:18:30] Anticipatory Action (AA) in disaster response. [00:19:33] Direct financial access support and building community resilience. [00:20:06] Supporting digital and financial literacy in underserved populations to reduce the digital divide. [00:21:18] Technology is just a tool. The end-user doesn't and shouldn't have to know how their problem is solved. [00:23:08] Technological leapfrogging and the challenges with all forms of literacy. [00:24:26] You will always need people in the field, but tech can shoulder some of the load. [00:27:27] The challenge of balancing expanding support opportunities and scope creep. [00:31:36] Societal and humanitarian issues are multifaceted. [00:33:52] The challenges of making impact sustainable. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935"...

Humans are fascinating. We have this incredible capacity for creativity, resilience, and invention, and have been keen to dabble in technologies that improve our lives since we first started using tools. So, where is technology going to lead us in terms of what makes us human? Joanna Beveridge is a producer, writer, and director with a background in nuclear medicine. Join us as we speak about attitudes towards trust and failure between STEMM and the creative industries, representation and stealth politics in film and television, and finding a balance with AI tools and the creative process. About Joanna Beveridge Joanna Beveridge is a producer, writer, and director based in Western Sydney. She has a double degree in Nuclear Medicine and Digital Media, and has worked as a Creative Producer/Editor for companies such as Network Ten, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. and ITV Studios. In 2020, Jo was selected for Screen NSW’s Emerging Producer Placement and Screen Producers Australia ‘Ones to Watch’. She’s produced two Screen Australia funded romcom digital series -- NO ORDINARY LOVE and SHIPPERS. She created the award-winning web series SYDNEY SLEUTHERS. She produced the Screen NSW Screenability funded short film MAGNETIC, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival. And Jo wrote and directed the award-winning short film THE TAKEDOWN OF MELANIE SPROTTLE. Show Notes (link) [00:01:24] Joanna's path to nuclear medicine coming from a STEMM family [00:02:52] The almost movie-plot level reason for pivoting (despite actually being good at nuclear medicine) [00:05:15] Finding her space and learning by doing [00:09:03] Trust in STEM vs the creative industries [00:11:21] The incongruity of entry-level positions that require experience with few opportunities for training [00:12:59] The career pipeline problem [00:15:11] The importance of and barriers to networking [00:16:48] The value of proofs of concept - someone has to be first [00:17:26] Bringing back the eight-hour day in the film industry [00:19:34] 'AI in the TV and movie creation value chain' [00:20:29] Segue: What is art? Why is art? [00:24:08] The history and popularity of Schitt's Creek [00:24:54] Stealth politics and audience psychology [00:27:57] The PR of science and STEM in the media [00:30:17] We love tropes (also, I said CSI when I meant NCIS) [00:31:52] The Scully Effect and how the media shows us that we have the capacity for change [00:34:56] What is the nature of the work we are asking AI to replace? [00:38:54] What is scut work and what contributes to making you better at your craft? [00:44:54] Moving the needle for representation and the power of narrative [00:48:55] Our favourite sci-fis [00:53:05] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele...

For many of my guests, the careers and fields that we're in now didn't exist or were just newly conceived when we were at university. So those indirect paths I often speak about were just a matter of course for us. Bec Nguyen is the director of Upbeat Digital and a specialist in UX in digital health. Join us as we speak about her winding path to User Experience Design and design thinking as it grew as a space, building compassionate tech, and advocating for diverse voices no matter what industry you're in. About Bec Nguyen Bec Nguyen is the Founder and Director of Upbeat Digital, a Perth, Western Australian-based consultancy business specialising in digital project and product management; UX/UX design and community engagement in social impact issues using an innovative, human-centred approach. As an advocate for women of colour, Bec leads an inclusive work approach to ensure community members who are under-represented, including disadvantaged and ethnic minorities, have a voice in the process. Upbeat Digital has collaborated with state and national organisations within Australia to support the translation of evidence-based resources to the wider community through digital solutions, such The Wilderness Society, Nature Play WA, CSIRO and Telethon Kids Institute. In recent years, Bec has been a recipient of a number awards, recognising and acknowledging her contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of the community, and impact in the technology and innovation for which she is honoured and continues to strive at an exceptional level to work and volunteer her time to give back to the community and help improve the health and well-being of the community. Show Notes (link) [00:00:59] The path from commerce and information systems and falling out, then in, of like with tech. [00:04:03] Entering the health space and building apps with Telethon Kids Institute. [00:05:47] Being introduced to UX design thinking and building Image Up. [00:11:09] Formalising that experience-based learning. [00:11:48] Discovering that there really is a place in tech for everyone. [00:12:30] Taking the your user research to prototype. [00:13:42] Striking out on her own and expanding into the social impact space. [00:14:13] The evolution of systems analysis and requirements gathering as a human-centred process. [00:15:39] The evolving landscape of our roles and responsibilities. [00:18:29] Integrating UX and healthcare. [00:19:11] Working with kids with cystic fibrosis. [00:27:27] Being able to demonstrate the scientific method behind your work. [00:29:37] Putting more focus on social impact with Upbeat Digital. [00:30:31] Representation in tech and supporting less heard voices. [00:34:12] Encouraging diversity in your organisations. [00:38:20] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by

We've spoken about indirect career paths, but Professor Gretchen Benedix calls hers the pinball method, starting on a course that could change direction when she strikes something that she'd like to delve more into. This method has served Gretchen well and has given her opportunities to work with Dr Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, chase fireballs over the desert, hunt meteorites in Antarctica, and even get an asteroid named after her. Join us as we speak with Gretchen about her journey to astrogeology, discovering how the solar system evolved, and the Desert Fireball Network. About Professor Gretchen Benedix Gretchen Benedix is a Professor (and former Australian Research Council Future Fellow) in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University. She is also a member of the Space Science and Technology Centre, the largest research group dedicated to Planetary Science in the southern hemisphere. She is a fierce STEM and Women in Science advocate and takes her responsibility as a role model very seriously. She uses her work to inspire young people and pass along her passion for understanding our Solar System. Gretchen's research interests lie in the study of meteorites to understand and unravel the evolution of the Solar System. She and her team are currently interested in using machine learning techniques to extend our ability to interact with big datasets, specifically looking at the numbers of craters on other planetary surfaces. Gretchen wants to understand how the Earth fits into the history of the Solar System. … And also, she loves rocks… Gretchen has a broad educational background in Geology, Engineering, and Physics, which lets her pull together multidisciplinary ideas to unravel the mysteries of the rocks. She also loves science communication and has had the opportunity to work at two world-class museums as a planetary scientist, cosmic mineralogist, and astro-geologist, where Gretchen had the pleasure of sharing what she does --- It's just one of the many aspects of her job that she loves - to be able to get other people, especially young folks, excited about studying our solar system and our place in it. Show Notes (link) [00:01:38] How one gets an asteroid named after them. [00:04:56] Gretchen's journey began in psychology. [00:06:52] The transition from psychology to physics was not smooth sailing. [00:08:29] The slow drift into space and getting hooked on rocks. [00:11:35] The beauty of geology. [00:16:19] Being flexible gives you the space to be open to opportunities. [00:18:34] Looking to space because you can't look inside the Earth. [00:22:41] Comparative planetology and looking at our system in context. [00:26:49] Context and time scales. [00:28:59] The engineering in space travel. [00:32:48] The Desert Fireball Network. [00:36:42] Location, location, location. [00:38:31] Tying it back to their origins and the solar system. [00:40:35] Meteorite families. [00:43:47] Surprising learnings so far. [00:46:47] The two-body problem. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram |

A common misconception about veterinary sciences is that it’s all about puppies and kittens, but that’s not always the case. Like other care providers, vets can have it tough in the service of the community and there is a lot of active work being done to ensure the vet industry, its people, the community, and not just the animals, can thrive. Join us as we speak with Dr Lydia Pethick, veterinarian, motivational speaker, and television presenter about working in policy and biosecurity as a vet, the state of mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary industry, and the actionable things we can do to positively impact our mindset and prevent burnout. Note: This episode contains a content warning. Please see the show notes below for more information. About Dr Lydia Pethick Dr Lydia Pethick is a policy veterinarian at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia where she works in the area of Biosecurity and Sustainability, to grow and protect WA's agriculture and food sector. She is passionate about increasing wellbeing, resilience, collaboration, and camaraderie within the Veterinary profession, raising awareness of mental health struggles in the wider community, and journeying from a place of judgement to joy. She uses her veterinary, permaculture, and wellness training to holistically, creatively, and practically integrate animal husbandry, therapeutic horticulture, and regenerative practices to build resilience within self, family, our communities and beyond. Lydia is a speaker at national and international conferences, where she shares her passion about the exciting work in the veterinary industry to improve the health and lives of animals and humans, and is also a TV presenter on Garden Gurus. Show Notes (link) [00:01:27] Lydia's journey to veterinary science. [00:02:12] Biosecurity through veterinary science. [00:03:10] What biosecurity policy entails. [00:05:56] Mental health and well-being in the vet space (Content warning: mentions of suicide, emotional blackmail) [00:08:41] The initiatives to raise awareness and support vets and their communities. [00:11:24] Bringing in broader professional skills and support at the university level for future vets. [00:13:20] Support at the industry board level in this capacity across multiple sectors. [00:15:10] SMART, and strategies for managing individual well-being. [00:15:44] 'S' is for self-acceptance, state of mind, and self-care. [00:18:26] 'M' is for mood boosters like morning sun, movement, and music. [00:22:23] 'A' is for awareness. [00:23:38] 'R' is for relationships. [00:24:25] 'T' is for treasure hunting. [00:26:16] Take things a little at a time to improve yourself or your situation. [00:27:31] Lydia's own experiences with burnout and a desire for change. [00:28:44] The stigma and loneliness of personal struggles and wanting people to know they're not alone. [00:30:31] Horticultural therapy in Lydia's life and work. [00:34:55] Finding coaches for your own direction finding. [00:35:51] What advice would you give someone who would like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook |

A common thread between the arts and the sciences is storytelling. In both scenarios you’re building worlds, and creating an understanding of the mechanisms that make the system work (or not work), and the relationships within that bubble. Eleonora Moratto is the Biology Ballerina. She is a freelance professional ballet dancer, and is currently completing her PhD in plant pathogen interactions. Join us as we speak about Eleonora’s work exploring electrical fields and plant immune systems, and her journey as a sciartist. About Eleonora Moratto Eleonora Moratto is The Biology Ballerina. She is completing her PhD in plant pathogen interactions at Imperial College, London. She is a freelance professional ballet dancer currently working with the Ballet Dream Arts company and is involved in SciArt projects, women in STEAM activities, long hair modelling, and historical reenactment. Show Notes (link) [00:01:08] Eleonora's path to biology. [00:03:30] Researching plant pathogen interactions, specifically Phytophthora palmivora. [00:05:22] Looking for novel solutions that prevent the spread. [00:07:33] Exploring electric fields around plants and pathogens. [00:11:47] Looking to her future in academia and biological interactions. [00:13:52] The wider applications of research in interactions and electrical fields. [00:15:17] The Biology Ballerina. [00:17:02] A SciArtist's dream. [00:19:00] The balance of the arts and sciences for Eleonora. [00:22:41] Freelancing as a ballerina. [00:25:15] SciArts in the wild. [00:28:37] Encourage the polymaths and multihyphenates. [00:30:25] Passion is interesting. [00:31:45] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? [00:34:05] Find out more about Eleonora and her work. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Sustainability is more than just the environment. If you look at the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it's also about accessibility, equity, and inclusion in multiple areas of society, and covers things like the economy, infrastructure, community, and yes, climate and the environment. But they're the kinds of goals that bring everybody up so that no one is left behind. Join us in our conversation with Dr Sandy Chong, founding member of the Sustainable Development Goals Forum in WA, former president of the United Nations Association of WA, and member of the World Economic Forum Expert Network. We speak about the impact of digital inclusion and how the UN Sustainable Development Goals benefit us all, and are for now, not later. About Dr Sandy Chong A Harvard Alumna and Principal of Verity Consulting, Dr Sandy Chong is an award-winning Executive of the Year, Asia's Top Sustainability Women of the Year, and Singapore Management Consultant of the Year. The former President of the United Nations Association and the Founding Chair of the UN SDGs Business Forums in Western Australia, Sandy has chaired international forums that promote digital and energy transition. These include the inaugural Web3 for Sustainability Conference, the Intercity Hydrogen delegation between Singapore and Australia, and the upcoming AI & Data Science of Business Conference in Singapore. She was recently invited to speak on Digital Inclusion and the Impact of AI in International Trade convened by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva. With over 20 years’ experience leading multidisciplinary projects, advising trade agencies and industry councils, Sandy currently serves on public-listed board and is the Chair of the ASEAN Business Alliance. Earning a Ph.D. in Digital Commerce in 2003 and appointed Adjunct Professor of Curtin University, Sandy has published peer-reviewed journals on international business, innovation adoption and sustainability since 2005. Show Notes (link) [00:01:09] Sandy's journey from marketing and management information systems. [00:02:50] The cycles of growth in technology. [00:04:06] The anthropological view of technology in society. [00:05:58] Technological transformation and change management. [00:08:19] Starting clients on the path to digital adoption. [00:13:34] Bringing about cultural change within an organisation. [00:15:35] Play to the strengths of your people, and help them thrive. [00:18:30] The risks behind digital adoption accelerating past digital literacy. [00:20:38] Closing the gap on digital literacy of new technologies. [00:24:48] The ethics of technology and how we use it. [00:26:42] Building (and keeping) trust. [00:28:53] Transparency and authenticity in your leadership. [00:32:37] Sandy's work with the UN Association of Australia and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [00:34:22] Change can only be made when ideas leave the activism space. [00:38:46] Australia's ranking for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. [00:41:01] The pragmatic reasons for taking action. [00:43:08] How private enterprise and communities measure their performance with the SDGs. [00:47:13] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook |

What is your personal worth? From an internal perspective, it's about having confidence in your sense of self and your values. But let's expand on that. Your worth can also be viewed in the connections you have made in your personal or professional communities, be it the kids' soccer parent who knows a job you'd be great for, or the ex-coworker whose passion project is your passion, too. It's also of course your financial position and what you can do to change it. Because growth in all these areas gives you more space to grow as well. Join us as we speak with Sirisha Kuchimanchi, entrepreneur, speaker, and former engineering and manufacturing executive, about navigating her career through economic downturns, and how the different aspects of your personal worth give you more options. About Dr Sirisha Kuchimanchi Dr Sirisha Kuchimanchi is the Founder of "Sahita", a Global Community for South Asian Women for Career & Financial Empowerment. She is an active investor supporting Women funded businesses. Her aim is to promote gender equity by empowering more women to take control of their careers and finances. Sirisha is a Former Engineering & Manufacturing Executive with over 17 years of experience at Texas Instruments (Fortune 200) a Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing Company. She co-chaired the Technology & Manufacturing Women’s ERG which supported over 500 women across 3 continents and 8 countries. Sirisha hosts the podcast "Women, Career & Life", ranked at the top 30% on Spotify, where she provides practical ideas and resources for women to further their career & life goals. She also hosts a weekly Live Radio Talk Show "Life Beats with Sirisha" on 104.1 FM which has a reach of over half a million listeners from the South Asian Community. She strives to create a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, so listeners can succeed both personally and professionally while building a stronger community. Sirisha is on the elected Board of Governors of The Podcast Academy which supports podcast makers and globally advances the cultural merit of the medium. Sirisha successfully traversed her return to work after getting laid off less than a year after entering the corporate world. A few years later, Sirisha made a conscious decision to be a stay-at-home mum during which time Sirisha earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Show Notes (link) [00:01:05] Sirisha's beginnings in physics. [00:02:43] The transition to material science and engineering. [00:04:24] The value of being able to explore the industry while pursuing higher studies. [00:05:34] We all leave social breadcrumbs and create networks through our interactions. [00:07:13] The experience of layoffs. [00:09:40] The contrast of working as a contractor vs a permanent employee. [00:10:33] Sirisha's second career break and the decision to return to school. [00:14:25] Sometimes the market makes the decision for you. [00:15:25] Financial literacy and preparation gives you choices and flexibility. [00:16:37] Looking after our financial futures because work shouldn't dictate our lives. [00:21:04] The stigma attached to speaking about money or death matters. [00:23:31] Risk management and your priorities. [00:25:44] Everyone is a potential candidate for an information interview. [00:28:23] The grass is always greener. But you don't know unless you try. [00:30:36] Your background and culture in a work context as an asset or liability. [00:34:06] Ask for what you want, but you have to know what you want first. [00:35:29] Considerations as a woman or POC in leadership. [00:37:29]

Architecture has always struck me as a multidisciplinary field. It draws knowledge from all areas of STEMM into creating the spaces in which we live and work. But that's not always how this profession is perceived and this reflects in the way the industry has and needs to evolve. Evelyn Lee is Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, and Founder of Practice of Architecture. Join us as we speak about the Evelyn's journey through architecture and tech, the future of architecture, and systems thinking in physical and organisational environments. About Evelyn Lee Evelyn Lee, FAIA, is the first-ever Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies, Founder of the Practice of Architecture, and Co-Host of the Podcast, Practice Disrupted. Lee integrates her business and architecture background with a qualitative and quantitative focus to build better experiences for the organisation's employees, clients, and guests. She is widely published, wrote a monthly column for Contract magazine for over three years, and is now a frequent contributor to Architect Magazine. Evelyn has received numerous industry awards, including 2016 40 Under 40 award for Building Design + Construction and the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award. She recently served as the first-ever female Treasurer to the AIA National Board in 2020-2021. Show Notes (link) [00:01:07] What drew Evelyn to architecture? [00:03:46] How Evelyn envisaged a career in architecture. [00:06:24] What does the average career in architecture look like? [00:09:40] Attrition in the architecture industry. [00:12:07] The need for business education as part of architecture programs. [00:15:37] The culture of the industry. Having to earn your way before you are welcome. [00:17:23] The sense of prestige of the profession vs the tangible value that architects offer. [00:19:07] What can we change that will provide more value to the industry? [00:21:48] The innovations in the architecture space. [00:23:57] Evolving the role of firms and the client experience. [00:26:08] Evelyn's architecture journey and the desire to stay involved with the architecture industry. [00:28:25] The Practice of Architecture. [00:32:01] Evelyn's journey to tech. [00:33:47] Applied workplace strategy and operation processes. [00:36:52] A change in space requires cultural change management as well. [00:38:10] Architects are systems thinkers. [00:40:08] Evelyn's future in architecture and systems thinking. [00:43:52] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook |

It's not about the destination, it's about the journey. But for today's guest, it's about both. Laura Langdon is a developer advocate who has the pleasure of combining her explorations and experience in theatre, computer science, mathematics, education, and data science into a role that rolls all of that into one perfect package. Join us as we speak of about Laura's experience in education, and the beauty of the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate things. About Laura Langdon Laura Langdon is a Developer Advocate at Suborbital Software Systems, where she manages documentation and participates in outreach activities, especially around the intersections data science, Python, and extensibility. Previously a math lecturer at CSU East Bay, Laura is devoted to issues in pedagogy, neurodivergence, and social responsibility in tech. In her free time, she enjoys recreational research, optimising all the things, and not trying to think of a third thing with which to end this sentence. Show Notes (link) [00:00:53] Laura opting out of high school and going through community college instead. [00:04:33] Why college was a better fit for Laura. [00:07:04] The path of human experience. [00:11:48] Coming to settle her explorations with mathematics. [00:14:00] Laura's epiphany with mathematics. [00:17:35] Practical considerations when it comes to choosing your path. [00:22:59] The beauty of pure mathematics that we miss out on at school. [00:23:31] Sometimes material is hard. But sometimes it's hard because people have different modes of learning. [00:25:25] Resources can be crutches. What do you want to get out of this? [00:26:31] Speak to course advisors and coordinators. There may be options you weren't aware of. [00:29:25] Why homeschooling. [00:32:20] The Montessori method [00:36:12] AI, Reinforcement Learning, and DeepMind. [00:38:20] Finding her way to technical writing. [00:43:48] Ethics, algorithms, and society. [00:47:39] A day in the life of developer relations. [00:49:01] Bringing all those accumulated skills together. [00:51:15] What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do? And what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

We could all do with a little bit more compassion in our lives, and April Wensel is making sure that we can bring it to our work as well. April Wensel is the founder of Compassionate Coding, helping companies and tech professionals communicate more and effectively so that we can be better at what we do better to each other and better to ourselves. Join us as we speak about April's journey through technology, finding purpose with compassionate coding, and putting the humanity back into technology. About April Wensel April Wensel is an international keynote speaker and the founder of Compassionate Coding, a conscious business that provides communication skills training to technology professionals. Prior to starting Compassionate Coding, she spent a decade as a software engineer and technical leader at various startups in Silicon Valley, building products in such fields as healthcare, gaming, education, and user research. Away from the keyboard, she enjoys gleaning fruit, running ultramarathons, and experimenting with vegan recipes. Show Notes (link) [00:01:09] Studying Computer Science at a liberal arts college. [00:02:54] Where April saw her future in computing. [00:03:46] The path to Compassionate Coding. [00:08:54] Teaching emotional intelligence to tech. [00:10:35] Relating to the need to develop emotional intelligence from her own experiences. [00:13:28] When you faced with a culture that has to change. [00:15:41] Reflecting on how April's liberal arts background informs her work now. [00:17:12] April's observations in the course of her work. [00:18:42] The two sides of compassion. [00:19:44] Feedback as a compassionate skill. [00:21:28] April's reflections on her own journey with emotion intelligence. [00:23:03] April's personal journey approaching burnout and the impetus for change towards compassion. [00:25:02] The rate of burnout in these fields and how compassion can help. [00:27:36] The shift towards compassion in other technical fields. [00:30:20] Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you? [00:31:56] What advice would you like to give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Geographic information systems. There, I've lost a few of you already, but you're missing out because GIS is more than about where things are, but why they're there, and quite a few of those reasons are around why people do people things. Helen McKenzie is a cartographer, data visualiser, and geospatial advocate who is passionate about finding meaning in complex data and making information beautiful. We speak about Helen's love of maps and how we can use geospatial analysis to elegantly give us more meaning to the way we live in the world around us and keep our societies ticking away. About Helen McKenzie Helen McKenzie is a Geospatial Advocate which means her job is to get people excited about all things geospatial! She has been working in the geospatial industry for around 10 years and has recently made the move from consultancy to technical marketing, whether that's through running live workshops or writing blogs about using GIS to choose the best venue for the Eurovision Song Contest. Show Notes (link) [00:01:32] How Helen found her way to geography and GIS. [00:05:04] Helen's dissertation combining Jane Austen and GIS. [00:08:57] What does work in geospatial sciences look like? [00:12:04] The depth of detail in understanding our communities. [00:15:19] Michele talks about warm data again because warm data is cool. [00:17:06] GIS is about engagement with the data and making those connections. [00:21:00] Becoming a geospatial advocate. [00:27:20] Understanding from geospatial data and its value to businesses. [00:29:25] The cost and factors involved in opening a new store branch. [00:32:29] Michele has too many bubble tea shops nearby. Her local area could have benefitted from some geospatial data. [00:34:14] What does a geospatial advocate do? [00:39:55] Finding your audience. [00:41:46] What Helen doesn't like about her work. [00:42:48] The challenges of public speaking. Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon Hosted and produced by Michele Ong. Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

You have to pivot or reinvent yourself to stay relevant. This idea gets bandied about a lot these days but there are going to be times in your life and in business where it has to happen. Lan Tran is a powerhouse in sales and marketing is no stranger to this concept. She has seen the decline of the paper business directory with the advent of Google ads, the challenges of returning to work after raising a family, and the devastating impact of crypto on a local metaverse game studio. We speak about approaching reinvention with humility, and Lan's observations about innovation and entrepreneurship in tech and Western Australia. About Lan Tran Lan Tran's career commenced in sales with Yellow Pages. She found her calling and thrived in facilitating businesses, corporates and government agencies around Australia to brand, market, and advertise themselves. Her time at Yellow Pages set her up with a strong foundation in Account Management, PR and Stakeholder Management. As the top 2% Sales Executive of the 900+ sales team across Australia, Lan was integral to her company's annual strategic sales and marketing planning with senior leadership. Lan has worked across Australia and Asia leading sales teams and brings with her a wealth of contacts and proven strategies that lift an organisation to the next level. Sales and marketing is a craft and an art form that continue to lead her into different businesses over the years that suited her lifestyle, which has included living and working overseas, a stint in recruitment, and a couple of years home-schooling her child prodigy. As a skilled communicator that builds genuine and lasting relationships with ease, Lan joined Ninja Software and was responsible for quadrupling the revenue through strategic lead generation and securing industry partnerships. In the last 12 months, with Ninja's pivot into a Web3 game studio, Lan quickly became the evangelist for metaverse possibilities and connections. She is known in the tech industry as an absolute powerhouse in all aspects of sales, relationship building and marketing. Unfortunately, due to a series of unfortunate circumstances (crypto winter and FTX crash) the company she was with went into administration a week before last Christmas. This is a raw conversation with Lan about what it means to be a woman in tech, and how she navigates through changes. Lan has since been appointed as Chief Sales Officer at EXTAG. Show Notes (link) [00:01:40] Lan's beginnings with communication studies. [00:02:12] Finding her way to sales. [00:03:24] Yellow Pages vs Google Ads: Embracing new technology. [00:08:46] Before: the dangers of moving too slowly; Now: the risk of moving too quickly. [00:10:44] Reinvention leads to progress. [00:12:01] Reinvention requires humility. [00:13:01] Reinvention after returning to the workforce after raising a child. [00:15:34] Meeting Ninja Software. [00:17:50] The attraction of a metaverse project. [00:19:27] The frustration with the hype around NFT and wanting a product with real utility. [00:20:36] The challenges of getting funding in tech in Western Australia. [00:21:32] Pivoting the entire business model of a company. [00:24:07] The opportunity to cultivate a pipeline for new industries locally. [00:27:13] We need to bang the drum for innovators out there to encourage growth in these sectors. [00:31:38] Don't let 'tall poppy syndrome' stop you. [00:35:29] The greatest loss is that of the potential to build a local communiy of talent and a pipeline for this industry. [00:37:16] Bonus Question: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you? [00:39:01] Bonus Question:...

Ever thought about asking a member of Parliament how to become Prime Minister? Moira Clay, a leading research strategist, asked that very question, and she's now cultivated a career helping leaders in health and medical research make an impact in both research and the community. Join us as we speak with Moira about her journey in medical research, and developing a holistic and comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. About Professor Moira Clay Professor Moira Clay is one of Australia’s foremost experts in research strategy. She is a transformational leader and a highly experienced facilitator, with an extensive knowledge of the changing research agenda. She has a reputation for professionalism and integrity and is known for her collaborative and inclusive approach. Moira has extensive senior executive experience in research institutes in Victoria, NSW and WA - including 6 months as Acting Director of the Telethon Kids Institute. She was President of two peak bodies – the Australian Society for Medical Research (2003) and Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) (2013), leading significant public, political and scientific advocacy initiatives. In 2018, she was nominated as a Fellow of ARMS, acknowledging her enduring and substantial contributions to research management, and her active philanthropic involvement was profiled in a TEDx Fremantle talk. In 2011, she completed the Eureka Institute International Certificate in Translational Medicine. She is currently the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Menzies Institute. Moira founded Moira Clay Consulting in 2013, propelled by her drive to help Australian health and medical research leaders achieve transformative health benefits for the community. MCC has built a strong reputation for adding value to health and medical research organisations (including medical research institute's; hospitals, funding bodies; universities; peak bodies and major initiatives) across Australia. Show Notes (link) [00:00:45] Moira's beginnings in biochemistry. [00:01:51] Developing the foundations for the work Moira does now during her PhD. [00:03:21] Exploring the world through postdoctoral research. [00:04:17] Moira's career crisis that led her to think bigger. [00:05:40] How does one become Prime Minister? [00:08:32] We ultimately want to make things better. [00:10:28] Co-design, and how medical research strategy can make an impact. [00:16:49] A stretched workforce needs greater collaboration. [00:19:29] The shift to cancer research. [00:22:25] Starting a consultancy. [00:23:23] The Pirate Ship Foundation. [00:24:16] West Australian Comprehensive Cancer Centre: The need for comprehensive cancer care. [00:30:45] Honeybee Venom Research by Dr Pilar Blancafort and Dr Ciara Duffy. [00:32:09] West Australian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. [00:33:56] Exercise for reduction of cancer risk and treatment efficacy. [00:38:18] What advice you would give someone who wants to do what you do? Or what advice should they ignore? Connect with STEAM Powered Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |