Dr Marissa Betts and Dr Mary McMillan from the University of New England are part of a group of 60 brilliant women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who will step into the spotlight as media stars chosen for this acclaimed national program.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews will today officially announce those chosen for Science & Technology Australia’s game-changing Superstars of STEM program in 2021-22.
Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the program gave women in STEM stronger skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.
“It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “Women are still seriously under-represented in STEM leadership roles.”
“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.”
“We can’t thank the Australian Government enough for its strong support of this important program, which is already having a profound impact.”
“Sustaining this type of program for the long-term is more important than ever amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the STEM workforce.”
Dr Betts said she was thrilled to have been chosen for this honour from a very competitive national field.
“Geoscience remains a very low diversity field, so I’d like to use my role to encourage more women and girls to pursue their geoscience dreams,” Dr Betts said.
Dr McMillan was similarity excited about the nomination.
“This program is an excellent opportunity to create greater visibility for women in STEM, particularly in the media,” Dr McMillan said. “I’m excited to be a part of that, and also excited to connect with all the other amazing women in the program and share our stories and experiences.”
Since doing the program, current UNE Superstar, Dr Debbie Bower, has learned skills in radio and TV, public speaking and working with the media. She has appeared on local news as well as state and national radio to talk about her research on the conservation of frogs and turtles.
The program also encourages the Superstars in outreach of their work. Dr Bower has written guest blogs on her role as a Conservation Biologist, hosted high school student trips to UNE, and written books for children to connect with nature.
“Superstars of STEM has connected large cohorts of women in science and equipped us with the skills to become visible. We are using our experience to help change how our society views us as scientists and further reduce the gender bias in STEM,” Dr Bower said.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, these next 60 Superstars of STEM will participate in the program in 2021 and 2022.
