Premier's Science Awards 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first scientists.

They have lived close to 65,000 years in Australia using their knowledge of the environment, astronomy, engineering, forensic science, chemistry, land management and ecology.

At the Premier's Science Awards each year we recognise Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate or postgraduate students who demonstrate excellence in STEM studies with the Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year award.

We sat down with this year’s joint winners Tahlia Prior and James Hill to find out why STEM and cultural connections are so important to them.

Tahlia Prior is a proud Ballardong Whadjuk Nyungar, Wajarri Yamaji woman and a final year Civil Engineering student at Curtin University. She has excelled academically in

Elder and Traditional Owner community representation, and in connecting with industry partners and opportunities.

“I chose engineering because I want to be a part of the change that builds respectful and collegial relations with Traditional Owners of the lands we build on,” she said.

“To quote my aunty – civil engineering is not only about building safe infrastructure, we’re also building on Whadjuk all the way to Yawuru lands. We need to respect the Knowledges of those lands and bring them at the forefront of all projects.

“It’s about building relationships with peoples from the beginning of projects so we can truly respect the intimate Knowledges of peoples’ lands we are building on.”

Ngarrindjeri man James Hill is a PhD student at The University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute who is investigating how negative attitudes and actions (stigma) relate to the disproportionately

poor mental health outcomes of trans and gender diverse young people.

“I got into STEM because of my desire to help and give back to my community,” he said.

“It’s important that opportunities like this exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students because even a few generations ago, this wouldn’t have been possible.

“I think we’re pretty deadly at what we do and it’s important to recognise the progress we’ve made and the opportunities that are now available to us.

“There’s a lot of goodwill and support out there, so if you’re thinking about getting into STEM studies, I would say go for it.”

The Premier’s Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.

You can find out more about the other 2022 Premier’s Science Awards winners at jtsi.wa.gov.au/scienceawards