CAREERS withSTEM
™
science
TERM 1, 2021
LE DOSUSBUE I VER
FLIRP SOPACSE FOAREER C
Meet the physicists fighting COVID-19 p12
Particle physicist
Career cuisine: food science jobs on the menu p16 Calling all animal lovers – find your dream science job! p20
CAREERS with STEM.COM >CREATIVITY >CULTURE+< ADVANCED >EDUCATION < >WELLBEING<+ HEALTH >WELLBEING + FOOD < >SPACE< BUSINESS <+ ANIMALS MANUFACTURING
>BUSINESS<
BE INSPIRED. BECOME INSPIRING.
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
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www.ansto.gov.au/careers
FOREWORD
Help build a e r u t u f r e t t e b with STEM shaun jenkinson acting ceo ansto
A
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ology, engineering career in science, techn ) offers you a EM and mathematics (ST ly bring about ive act to ‘seat-at-the-table’ e ange for the human rac rea l and meaning ful ch and our planet. s have provided Scientists and engineer is facing considerable evidence that our world and equally, scientists and immediate challenges called upon to deliver and engineers are being llenges. the solutions to these cha hea lth, to protecting From improving human a better understanding our environment through change or improving of issues such as climate practices to support advanced manufacturing s will, as never before, industry, STEM graduate role in shaping our play a vitally important fut ure. STEM you’ll If you choose a career in vides new pro t experience a career tha ping you engaged kee e, tim opportunities all the throughout your career.
With the evolving natur e of work, it is also now ver y un likely that people will end their career in the same field that they started. By studying STEM, you wi ll develop highly transferable skills that can be used in just about any occupation or indust ry—setting you up for an exciting fut ure where you can ma ke important contributions to societ y. So if you have a curious mind, or if you like to solve problems and bring new ideas to life, I encourage you to make your first move towards a career in STEM. One day I may even have the opportunity to welcome you to a job at ANSTO. Shaun Jenkinson Acting CEO, ANSTO
stem graduates, as never before, will play a key role in shaping our future”
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SCIENCE
CONTENTS
Flip the magazine over for space careers!
CAREERS with STEM indigenous
What’s inside? P6 Connecting
humanities to STEM P8 Periodic table of P12 science careers P12 Meet the physicists fighting COVID-19 P26 Next steps
2021
™
Create your dream career without leaving home! p3 Tech
+ music DIY dead ratin ly g Ce=leb beats p5 s STEM! Indigenou
google Software engineer
issue all Miseck sion tota out lly our new Ch possible! Space ple in peo us no ige Ind ut abo gigs that don’t tory, his out gh mea ou n leav thr ing – STEM earth p12 into the future. d today an m/ CareerswithSTEM.co indigiSTEM
CARE ERSWITHSTEM.CO M DIGITAL ART + MUSIC + HEALTH + CONSE RVATIO N + BUSINESS + SPACE
P15
What is Careers with STEM? The Careers with STEM hub includes a quarterly magazine, posters, videos, events, webinars, quizzes and website to help young people discover the careers of the future. Each year we deliver four magazines across each of the STEM disciplines, plus special editions, like Data Science and Cyber Security.
P20
= STEM +ieX nce (STEM) with
Combine sc over your your passion (X) to disc dream career. P24 Science + … P10 Innovation
We believe everyone should have equal access to build a better future. Many of tomorrow’s careers will combine STEM skills with other areas. We call it ‘STEM + X’ – like Technology + Fashion = 3D-printed clothes or Maths + Sport = footy statisticians. For more Careers with STEM role models, quizzes and STEM + X ideas and inspiration, head to CareerswithSTEM.com
P14 Health P16 Food P20 Animals ring P24 Advanced Manufactu
Why science?
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s we face challenges from clim ate change to a pandemic, the crucial role of science is clearer than eve r, and in 2020 the Australian government highlighted STEM degrees as a priority based on industry demand, with new incentives for students to cho ose this pathway. Our scientists are not only solv ing global challenges, they’re contributing to a prosperous economy thro ugh creative innovation and industry par tnerships. Scientists don’t just work in the lab and field – they coll aborate on innovative areas that lead to new indust ries. Science prepares you for nex t-gen careers. In this edition of Careers wit h STEM, we present the hum an face of science’s contribution using real-life career profiles and case studies. The magazine also aims to sho wcase the diversit y of career paths in science, and we hope to insp ire you to combine science with your passion to create a rewarding career pat h!
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
Follow Careers with STEM online!
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Think STEM. Think QUT. Naomi Paxton has established herself as a talented and driven researcher while still studying at QUT. ‘I’ve always loved science, so when I finished high school I applied for a science degree in physics’, Naomi said.
or diseases such as cancer. We are developing solutions to 3D print bioresorbable scaffolds containing the patient’s own cells.’ As an enthusiastic science communicator, Naomi is determined to inspire others to take the pathway into STEM careers, with a particular focus on young women.
After commencing her studies with research into astrophysics, Naomi was inspired by a presentation that introduced her to the field of biofabrication. She applied for a PhD in biofabrication and has never looked back.
Naomi not only lives and breathes her profession, she puts her heart and soul into supporting her passion in the real world.
‘My research aims to help patients who have lost bone as a result of accidents, birth defects
QUT STEM 5 CRICOS No: 00213J
SCIENCE
UPFRONT
M E T S o t s e i t i n Huma ect your -in-hand! Discover how to conn nd ha go n ca EM ST d an ies r Humanit subjects to build a dream caree EM ST th wi ion ss pa ies nit ma hu Geolog y. Study rocks and fossils and understand the truly ancient history of how the Ear th formed, how life began, what makes the landscape the way it is and how knowledge of past processes can reveal what’s happening around us today (think: climate change !).
bal Environmental studies. Glo to cooperation is essential dying mitigating climate change. Stu law, ics, nom eco international policy, n wee bet tion rac inte ethics and the is nt me iron env lt bui and the natural k. tas ing ard rew and x a comple
Try
If you’re into
If you’re into
International studies Or add
e unis (like University Science + Innovation. Som of Technolog y Sydney) of Newcastle and University ree, adding a Bachelor are offering a combined deg ship (or Creative eur of Innovation and Entrepren Bachelor of a to ) Intelligence and Innovation Invent the l? goa eer car Science degree. Your orrow. From tom of ies log industries and techno green economy, quantum computing to the ating the future. science is basically about cre
HEATHER CATCHPOLE / SHUTTERSTOCK
If you’re into
Straight up science
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
Ancient history
Try
Try
Or add
g how to Data science. Understandin rmation is info of ts oun am process huge ike delving an analytical process not unl s. You into theories of ancient culture ugh the need to be able to trawl thro ut what’s data and make decisions abo ways to new important, and then find iety. soc n der mo communicate this to
Cybersecurity. Internation al studies covers business, diplomacy, advoca cy and includes linguistic and cultural knowledge. The se skills are also needed in a diverse range of cybers ecurity careers – from understanding the ‘posture’ (read: preparedness) of different countries or compan ies’ cybersecurity risk awareness and strategies, to unravelling the signs of a cyber attack. Plus, jobs in cybersecurity are set to boom with 17,000 new jobs to fill by 2026.
If you’re into
Try
Architecture or design
Or add
Computer science. Being able to manipulate things in 3D, understand data and visualise how people move through and use infrastructure can all be done better if you understand the technology behind the tools.
Science + Gaming /Business /Communications/Enginee ring / IT/Creative Industries/Bu ilt Environment… There are so many options whe n you first start studying. Alth ough STEM careers are growing 1.9 times faster than other jobs, get ting a great job and being employable means following your passion -– because if you love what you do, you’ll be bet ter at it. By combining STEM with you r passion (or ‘X’) you can ope n yourself up to the careers tha t haven’t even been invente d yet.
M h Careers with STE it w X + M E ST ur Discover yo .com/quizzes CareerswithSTEM 6
Understand every body. Protect everybody.
Study biomedical science at ACU When you are a scientist, you are a pioneer of change and discovery. You might explore new ways of curing or treating disease, research new medical techniques, or contribute towards a healthier society. Find the human body fascinating? Then biomedical science is for you. You will learn about the cause, nature, progression, and consequences of diseases, understand how they are diagnosed, and explore research aimed at their prevention and treatment. You’ll also gain laboratory experience in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. Explore our range of single and double degrees including Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science/ Bachelor of Applied Public Health and Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Business Administration.
CRICOS registered provider: 00004G
Study nutrition science at ACU
Build an appetite for change in a world of excess.
Study a degree that teaches you the science behind food and nutrition – human physiology and biochemistry, food and culinary nutrition science and the role of food and nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention. You’ll learn to plan healthy diets for people across the lifespan, design food products to support a healthy diet, influence food systems to foster sustainability, and advocate for a safe and equitable food supply across the globe. Explore our range of degrees including the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science.
Find out more acu.edu.au/nutrition-and-biomedical-science 7
SCIENCE
UPFRONT
F O E L B A T C I D O I THE PER S R E E R A C E C N SCIE or credit with your careers advis tra ex me so e or sc d an t lis rs Study this epic caree
L
which career pat h to ove science but not sure e science-related head down? Ta ke your fav corresponding job subject and suss out the iodic table totally worth opportunities. Yep, a per ! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cassie Steel pu lling an all-nighter for
C
Chemical Engineer
Fs
Forensic Scientist
Msc Materials Scientist
Geo
Geochemist
Tot
Toxicologist
Pha
Pharmacologist
Con
Conservator
Che
Chemistry Teacher
Rsc
Research Scientist
Bc
Biochemist
Hw
Hazardous Waste Chemist
Pe
Perfumer
Gen Genetic Engineer
Las
Laboratory Assistant
Ne
Nuclear Engineer
N
Nano Technologist
An
Analytical Chemist
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Pe
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
Process Engineer
Te
Dsc
Test Engineer
Data Scientist
Pr
Ga Game
Physics Teacher
Qat
Quantitative Analyst
IT
Inf
Information Architect
Se
Developer
Sde
Software Developer
AI
Software Engineer
Map
Mobile App Developer
SS
Ten
Telecomms Engineer
Ude
UX Designer
S
Systems Analyst
Sa
Cla
Cloud Architect
Ds
Decision Scientist
Pr
Uxp
Jd Java
SEO Specialist
Security Administrator
Cse
DA 3D Animator
Wd Web Developer
Marketing Technologist
Statistics Specialist
Dar Data
Gha Growth
Ins
Information Systems Engineer
Eh
P
Ethical Hacker
Penetration Tester
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Architect
Id
Interaction Designer
AI Specialist
Mte
Ust
UX Strategist
Programmer Analyst
IT Consultant
Cybersecurity Analyst
Wan
Web Analytics Developer
UX Product Manager
Ss
Hacker
Developer
Fd
Front End Developer
KEY Chemistry Environmental science
Physics
Computer science
Biolog y
Health science
Food science
Animal science
Sc
B Biologist Ec
Ar
Academic Researcher
Zst
Pst Pharmacologist Vn
Ee
Se
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Engineer
Seismologist
Ssci Soil Scientist
H Horticulturalist
Au Audiologist
Esc
Oer Oceanographer
Pharmacy Technician
Environmental Scientist
Ae
Mst Marine
Pht Rt
Ecologist
Zoologist
Veterinary Nurse
Agricultural Engineer
Bst Biotechnologist
Gco Genetic
Ast Astrophysicist
Atmospheric Scientist
Emergency Response Technician
Biomedical Engineer
Apt
Aer Astronomer
Hyd Hydrologist
Vst Volcanologist
Po Podiatrist
Cs
Mst Mineralogist
Spt Speech
Bt
Counsellor
Biology Teacher
Anatomical Pathology Technologist
M Microbiologist
Nst Nano
Technologist
Aen
Aerospace Engineer
Se
Satellite Engineer
As
Conservation Scientist
Biologist
Ert
Wtt
Wind Turbine Technician
Bi
Biostatician
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Radiation Therapist
Ber
Pathologist
Par
Paramedic
Space
P
Nut
Cr
Physician
Nutritionist
Crop Scientist
Mrs Medical
Ft Food
Technologist
Agronomist
P Psychologist
Qam Quality
Fsci Food
Ch
Fm Food
Research Scientist
Assurance Manager
Chiropractor
Microbiologist
Pst
Fe Food
Physiotherapist
Engineer
Mim Medical
Fc Food
Imaging Technologist
Occ
Occupational Therapist
Die
Dietician
Chemist
Ast
Scientist
Fi
Food Inspector
Flc
Flavour Chemist
Bio
Biosecurity Researcher
Ss
Sensory Scientist
Fpd
Food Product Developer
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+INNOVATION
+ HEALTH + FOOD + ADVANCED MANUFACTURING + ANIMALS
Become a business-savvy scientist academia – commercially Science isn’t all research and ns and discoveries into tio en inv ir the g nin tur are ts minded scientis essful businesses all the time real-world products and succ
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you probably hen you think of science, crazy hair in a white envision someone with nding questions lab coat, asking mind-be vie universe (um, thanks mo about the nature of the or r” neu pre tre “en think stereotypes). And when you new apps and digital e: tur pic ght mi you “startup”, y, physics and chemistry. log technology, rather than bio tbed of innovation, with In rea lity, science is a ho as and discoveries being the products of bright ide the ess-savv y scientists all commercialised by busin fice Of the by ort to a 2016 rep time. In fact, according of er art qu a re than of the Chief Scientist, mo in be attributed to advances can my no eco Australia’s to 30 years. science over the past 20 s titutions are all over thi And our big science ins d an to connect startups potentia l, offering ways ir facilities and research the th small businesses wi in Innovation Centre at expertise – there’s nand ANSTO, CSIRO Kick-Star t and D.Star t at Defence Science and Technology (DST). “Australia has world-class research capability and the potential to lead in future industries like advanced manufacturing , hydrogen, space and quant um technologies,” says Dr Ca thy Foley, CSIRO chief sci entist and newly appointed as Au stralia’s chief scientist. “We can also lead in new industries created by advances in science res earch in climate, biolog y and agricu lture-related techn ologies.” – Gemma Chilto n
START YOUR CAREER HER E
science+Inn ovation
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Bachelor of Sc ience / Bachel or of Business, Griffith Univers Bachelor of Sc ity ience / Bachel or of Innovatio Entrepreneurs n and hip, University of Newcastle Bachelor of Sc ience and Busin ess, UNSW
science+INn ovation En
Study
Jobs
trepreneur: Co mmercialise yo ur id and star t a biz. You could be ea ea or invention rning an averag salar y of around e $70K* but really, the sk (in Australia) – y's the limit! *Source: salar y according to pa yscale.com
r? re entrepreneu Are you a futu e quiz Take our onlin preneur-quiz bit.ly/cws-entre
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
Innovation lingo 101 Entrepreneur: Someone who starts a new business, taking on risk in the hope of financial reward Startup: A small, newly established business bringing a new, unique idea to the market Spin-off: A startup created from another organisation, such as a university or research institute Intellectual property (IP): Property that you own, which comes from your personal creativity and ideas, such as an invention Incubators and accelerators: Organisations that help startups and innovators grow and expand to become successful
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Big-picture thinker reneur
, innovator and entrep ad gr n oblems sig de l ia tr us Ind ga health science pr me me so g lin ck ta is ShanShan Wang h a problem. o many innovations start wit blem was “what For ShanShan Wang that pro sis on?” the my on ear th am I going to write – she form ing pris The answer came in sur g gin tug d, chil ng you spotted a mother and ned lear r late she ch whi r, nde around a large cyli e som gen. After was for the supply of pure oxy n bee n’t d there had research, ShanShan realise y iver del of d tho much improvement to this me ple needing peo ny ma pite des e, tim g lon for a blem, and pro a to use O2 tanks daily. “I saw s. say I wanted to solve it,” she journey by ShanShan started her STEM ool. Later, an sch h hig in e learning how to cod MA gallery in arts and design tour at the Mo ustrial design. New York exposed her to ind to make things ShanShan knew she wanted , which led her to that people would love to use study industrial design at UNSW Sydney. ShanShan launched Roam Technologies – and a plan to conver t air to O2 on demand, in
S
ShanShan Wang industria l designer
a small, easy-to-transport dev ice – the year after she graduated from uni versity. She has since won more than five inte rnational design, entrepreneurship and innova tion awards.
Impactful health
ShanShan says that looking at the big picture of a problem is vital for innova tion. So, for her, one of the most exciting par ts of this project was combining the device wit h data and closing the loop bet ween har dware, sof tware, and those working in the me dical industry. “It’s impactful health,” she says. “And this year, COVID-19 has exacerbat ed a lot of problems that we’re trying to solve, so it’s more important than ever.” She and her team are accelerating development of the device for regulation approval, before it is released to the wider market. And it’s not the only healthbased project ShanShan has been working on, either. This year she par ticipated in a few hackathons, resulting in the creation of Ela vo which is an integrated infection control system (see p12). ShanShan’s advice for the nex t generation of innovators? “Tr y to figure out if your idea is a need or a want. If it’s a nee d, it will have a big ger impact on the world. As Steve Jobs said, make a dent in the universe.” – Cassie Hart
Try to figure out if your idea is a need or a want. If it’s a need, it will have a bigger impact on the world”
al Bachelor of Industri Design, UNSW
Industrial Designer,ms Forcite Helmet Syste
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n, Str ategic Innovatio Sphere Healthcare
Founder and CEO, Roam Technologies
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+ANSTO
CLEAR THE AIR
ShanShan Wang industria l designer
med up with tech Particle physicists at ANSTO tea spread of COVID-19 professionals to help fight the
Dr Mitra Safavi-Naeini physicist an
d researcher
@MitraJoon
LAUREN TROMPP
if you can minimise the number of pathogens you would, right? it's a no brainerâ&#x20AC;? Bachelor of Engineering, University of Toronto
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
PhD in Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong
Facility Fellow, National Imaging Facility
Research Fellow, University of Wollongong
Image Quantification Research Leader, ANSTO
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A NSTO’s innovation centre
Sometimes ca lled a ‘people col lider’, na nd in is a place wh ere startups and small businesses ca n con nect with researchers and fac ilities at ANSTO to come up with inn ovative solutions to challen gin g prob lems. The word ‘na nd in’ means ‘look ahead’ in the local Dharawal lan guage.
All the small things Failing first-year chemistry didn’t stop Dr Eleanor Campbell from landing her dream job at ansto’s Australian Synchrotron
I
I
n March 2020, a woman unknowingly infected with COVID-19 spread the disease to 71 other people after taking a solo trip in a lift. Enclosed public spaces with recirculated air, like lifts, are high-risk for spreading disease. But what if there was a way to purify the air and keep the space free of virus particles? A group of scientists from ANSTO – one of Australia’s biggest public research organisations and Australia’s centre for nuclear expertise – teamed up with tech professionals from its innovation centre, nandin, for NASA’s Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge, to try and solve that problem. The NASA hackathon lasted 48 hours, and the ANSTO/nandin team, including industrial designer ShanShan Wang (pictured, and on p11), started by calculating how much air in a lift is exhaled from other passengers – around 2%, or 48 litres. “That’s like 24 2L milk bottles hanging from the ceiling,” explains team captain Dr Mitra Safavi-Naeini, a particle physicist and cancer researcher from ANSTO.
Inspired by space They also looked at how COVID-19 cases in New York City compared with public transport use, and found a strong correlation. Around 75% of the air was recirculated, meaning that if more than 20% of a train carriage is occupied, airborne pathogens (disease particles) could be circulating. “There is a question of how much one has to breathe prior to getting infected, but if you can minimise the number of pathogens, you would, right? It’s a no-brainer,” says Mitra, who also leads research into human health at ANSTO. The solution they came up with, called Elavo, draws inspiration from the International Space Station (ISS). First, a titanium dioxide cartridge – used on the ISS to inactivate pathogens in the air – would be fitted into the recirculation system. Then the empty lift or train carriage would be exposed to ultraviolet light to inactivate pathogens on surfaces. Finally, acoustic sensors could detect coughs and sneezes and increase airflow through the system when needed. The project won the Best Use of Technology prize against 1400 other teams. It was the ANSTO/nandin team’s third hackathon, and their third win. The prize for Elavo includes an invitation to see the next NASA rocket launch. The Elavo team is also already in discussions with potential investors and business partners that could make the technology a reality. – Chloe Walker
f you want a 3D view of the molecules in a protein, a virus, or some DNA, you’re going to need some specialist technology – and someone to help you use it. That’s where scientists like Eleanor can help. She looks after two pieces of technology at ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron – a pair of macromolecular X-ray crystallography (or MX) beamlines – and helps visiting scientists use them for their research. “My job is primarily to keep the X-rays coming smoothly,” she says. “Our day-to-day work is making sure the equipment is working to the highest quality it can, so that other researchers get the best data from their experiments.” Eleanor first encountered the MX beamlines while working on her PhD in chemistry at the Australian National University (ANU). For a few weeks at a time, she would travel from Canberra to Melbourne and use the machines to map the molecular structures of enzymes to see how they change under different conditions. By manipulating the chemistry of enzymes, we can engineer them to do useful things – in Eleanor’s case, breaking down harmful pesticides.
my advice is, don't feel like anything is a waste of time”
@Elamanor
anor’s first Chemistry wasn’t always Ele air force pilot, choice – the daughter of an anor only signed she always loved physics. Ele r to keep a friend up for chemistry in first yea up failing her company in class, and ended as she went deeper w exams. But her interest gre up completing a ed end dr eleanor into the subject, and she . campbell double major and then a PhD any thing is a waste of your “My advice is, don’t feel like and scientist re diverse your background time,” Eleanor says. “The mo g to be able to bring to roles.” interests, the more you’re goin earch at the r continued her enzyme res After finishing her PhD, Eleano ian tral Aus UK . Then the job at the University of Cambridge in the tralia in Aus to k bac r got the job, moved Synchrotron came up. Eleano into t wen e urn lbo pandemic hit. Me Januar y 2020 – and then the a new city. r was working from home in ano Ele ly den lockdown, and sud demand for n was also suddenly in high Equipment at the Synchrotro ber of s. Eleanor has assisted a num research into the coronaviru COVID-19. to develop drugs to combat researchers who are trying ’t trade it for her new job, Eleanor wouldn Despite the strange start to s. about my job,” she say the world. “I love everything so much ng bored here because there’s bei r “I cannot imagine eve oe Walker happening all the time.” – Chl Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) with Honours, ANU Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Cambridge
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PhD in Chemistry, ANU Beamline Scientist, Australian Synchrotron/ANSTO
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+HEALTH
+ FOOD + ADVANCED MANUFACTURING + ANIMALS + BUSINESS
Bill of health
START YOUR CAREER HER E
science+He alth Study Bachelor of Bi omedical
are sector will save lives hc alt he a’s ali str Au in r ree ca A – and set you up for life
think of a doctor hea lthcare, you probably in job a of nk thi u yo hen t there dedicated to a huge range of roles ou re’s the t bu – rse nu a or g wellbeing. saving lives and improvin care and social Outlook website, hea lth Job s nt’ me ern gov llion the to g din cor Ac ploying more than 1.5 mi industry in Australia, em t ges lar the is lity nce abi ista Dis l ass Nationa due to the government’s ic people. It's also growing and an increase in chron ion lat pu po ing age r ou ), DIS (N e ow Insurance Schem t 2020 decided to thr mention the pandemic tha mma Chilton disease. And that’s not to away any time soon. – Ge ng goi ’t isn d an dem So in the mix!
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Science (Honou Australian Cath rs), olic University Bachelor of He alth Science, Ed ith Cowan Unive Bachelor of He rsity alth and Medic al Sciences, The University of Adelaide
science+He alth Jobs Biomedical sc ientist: $41K–$ 98K Immunologist: $68K–$370K Physiotherapist : $54K–$89K Prosthetist: $5 0K–$112K* *Source: salaries according to pa yscale.com
A to Z of Health Jobs
A Bioscmienedtisicat l
udiologist
e Identif y, assess and manag rs rde hearing and balance diso
Wondering where a health science or related degree could take you? Kick off your career research with this A to Z list – which barely even scratches the surface of all the healthcare jobs out there!
Lab technician Molecular geneticist medicine Nuclear technologist
Work in pathology labs to help doctors and scientists diagnose and treat disease
Do lab tests to help docs diagnose and treat people
C ietician D t Epidemiologis orensic scientist F
Detect, analyse and interpret disease-linked genetic abnormalities
ardiologist
Diagnose and treat ies heart disease and abnormalit
Be an expert in nutrition and
Study disease and health at population level
human diet
the
G ealth information Hmanager
Help patients understand and genetic conditions
Identify and treat eye disorders and diseases
cope with
health information Plan, manage and maintain ords rec t ien systems including pat
nfectious diseasectioexnspert
I ournalist J id’s health specialist K
SHUTTERSTOCK
Treat patients with rare infe
a journalist A science communicator or news specialising in health-related Also known as a paediatrician
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
O Prosthetist
phthalmologist
evidence Collect, interpret and analyse health science but related to crimes. Not strictly and bodily fluids! there’s a big overlap in skills
enetic counsellor
Use radioactive materials to diagnose physiological and metabolic changes within the body and treat diseases
Make and fit artificial limbs (prostheses) for people who have a disability
and risk Quality coordinator
Ensure practices are safe and up to standard in a hospital or medical setting – saving patients’ lives and hospitals from lawsuits!
Radiation therapist and exercise Sports scientist
Draft, plan and execute radiation treatment for cancer patients
Study how the human body works during sports and exercise to promote health and performance
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Toxicologist Urologist Vaccine scientist
Study the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organi sms (and humans!)
Specialise in the study and treatment of the urinary system
Prevent or cure diseases by attempting to develop, trial and execut e effective immunisation programs
Ward assistant
Get exposure to the hospita l environment before you gra duate or commit to a career in the health sec tor – you’ll assist hospital staff with non -medical duties such as transporting patien ts
X-Ray specialist
OK so they’re actually called radiologists – but there aren’t many wor ds that start with X, and X-Ray specialist really does a bet ter job of explaining what these pee ps do (although the equipment they use ext ends to other medical imaging device s including MRI and CT scanners)
Yexoupethrtmental health
A mental health professional – such as a psychologist or counse llor – working specifically with young people
Zoo veterinarian
Humans aren’t the only anima ls that get sick! Zoo vets provide medic al treatment to the many species of animals kept at zoos
SCIENCE+ACU
Cancelling cancer Rebecca Abbott is on a mission to find treatments and cures for brain cancer dy Biomedical Science at hen Rebecca decided to stu sity (ACU) without even the Australian Catholic Univer ldn’t have imagined where it seeing the campus, she cou ond year of a PhD trying to would take her. Now in the sec in cancer, she realises it was find a new treatment for bra e made. hav the best decision she could ter environment to study bet a for “I couldn’t have asked opportunities than I had at biomedical science, or more sizes and great suppor t meant ACU,” she says. Small class n just a number”. Chances to Rebecca felt like “more tha being a lab facilitator for take on responsibilities, like al allowed her to learn practic students in the years below, And communicating science. skills and gain experience in independence and learn unique opportunities to gain with both hands. outside ACU were grabbed , Rebecca completed rse cou As par t of her ACU ts at Monash six immunolog y elective uni also signed She rs. yea two r University ove healthcare up to a two-week intensive d it so ethics course in Rome. “I love r the much that I signed up for ano r!” yea t tha two-week course in Italy
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rebecca abbott immuno logist
WEHI / SHUTTERSTOCK./ *SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL INDICATORS
Kicking life goals
a job The same year, she took on nt at ista ass ch ear as a student res cer Can llum cCa the Peter Ma ng Centre in Melbourne, providi and nce erie exp orld l-w rea crucial es. niti ortu opp g nin lear been As someone whose family had a’s ecc Reb of touched by cancer, one itute inst an at k wor to life goals had been ch. ear res cer dedicated to can re-engineer Today, Rebecca is trying to
a subset of a patient’s own immune cells to fight brain cancer. Bra in cancer has one of the lowest sur vival rates of any type of cancer – only 22%* of brain cancer patients sur vive at least five years after diagnosis. “Th is is what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning,” Rebecca says. For her PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Reb ecca takes blood from patients, and isolates a spe cial type of white blood cell . She then engineers this blo od cell by giving it the specifi c ‘key’ that it needs to be able to fit the ‘lock’ on the brain tumour cell. This enables the immune cell to recognise and kill the cancer cell. “I hope what I’m working on will one day make a real-world difference to a pat ient diagnosed with brain cancer and their family,” Reb ecca says. – Ben Skuse
i hope what i'm working on will one day make a real difference to a patient diagnosed with brain cancer” Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Australian Catholic University
honours (Science), university of melbourne/wehi
15
PhD (Immunology), Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+FOOD
+ ADVANCED MANUFACTURING + ANIMALS + INNOVATION + HEALTH
t h g u o h t r o f Food
explore s a whole menu of careers to re’ the , ce ien sc d foo in s job When it comes to
C
ence or food? As the an’t choose bet ween sci bot h... t taco girl says – why no as you can cook up are of There are plenty Like, think about how a career in food science. plate’ for instance, or the food gets from ‘farm to that goes into research and development estock – how are foods producing crops and liv d How are they stored an processed and packaged? ty ali Qu d? sol be l y’l moved safely to where the stage to ensure ry eve at d ede ne are controls sumer, as well as con d a safe product for the en akdown and information a complete nutritional bre have come from. on where the ingredients
Food science wins for Oz! Australian food scientists are hitting it out of the park when it comes to cool new discoveries in the edible arena... ✔ CSIRO have figured out adding seaweed to cow feed will reduce their methane emmissions ✔ CSIRO biochemical engineer, Dr Simon Harrison, built the first-ever virtual mouth to investigate the science of chewing ✔ Aussie researchers have produced the world’s first probiotic drink to deliver good bacteria to the gut ✔ Wine producers are upcycling waste into grape-seed extract for nutraceutical products ✔ CSIRO are using shockwave tech to extract bioactives from plants
A new taste for science
d technologist, you “As a food scientist or foo rk in diverse areas, wo have the opportunit y to ds and beverages, from formu lating new foo and safety, to improving their nutrition technology to ma ke developing processes or a Katopo, a senior food food products,” says Lit t at CSIRO. scientist and technologis an Institute of Food According to the Australi s such as nutritionist, job Science and Technology, d ch and development an food technologist, resear
quality assurance office r, are rife in areas like food chemistr y, sensor y and consumer sciences, food engineering, quality assurance, nutrition and reg ulation. #choice
SHUTTERSTOCK
Before the kitchen
So, you've decided the foo d game is for you, but what does that look like from a study perspective? The usual starting point is a Bachelor of Science in the engineering, biologica l, physical or chemical sciences, but you can do an Honours year, following your area of spe cia lty or look out for opportunities like schola rships and mentor programs that can lead to internships, too. You cou ld be doing resear ch in state-of-the-ar t commercial labs solving rea l-life industry problems at uni. For ins tance, there are eight universities currently pa rtnering with the Fight Food Waste Cooperativ e Research Centre to divert food waste into other purposes. “I find it so rewarding to see products that you have helped ma ke in sup ermarkets, with people buying them,” says Lita. – Kirsten Colvin
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
START YOUR CAREER HER E
science+fo od Study
Bachelor of Sc ience (Food Sc ience), Curtin Bachelor of Sc University ience (Food Sc ience and Nutr The University ition), of Queensland Bachelor of Nu trition an University of So d Food Sciences, uth Australia Bachelor of Su stainable Agric ul Western Sydney ture and Food Security, University
science+fo od Jobs Food scie
ntist: $44K–$ 96K Food technolo gist: $50K–$93 K Nutritionist: $4 4K–$105K Quality assura nce manager: $57K–$124K* *Source: salar ies according to payscale.com
16
SCIENCE+ECU
ges kling one of the biggest challen tac is e av lgr Co e ell ch Mi or ss Profe und we have enough food to go aro re su g kin ma : es fac rld wo the
Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry), University of Wollongong
p o r c e h t f o m a e Cr
PhD (Bioanlytical Mass Spectrometry), University of Wollongong
Professor Michelle Colgrave FOOD RESearch scientist
@michellecolgrav
17
Professor of Food and Agricultural Proteomics, Edith Cowan University
we need to make more from less, upcycle waste and ensure it's safe for all”
Changing food systems
Michelle’s latest project is looking at why wheat seeds sometimes sprout at the wrong time. Understand ing the proteins involved cou ld help farmers improve wh eat quality and avoid wheat losses. With 10 billion hu ng ry mouths to feed around the globe by 2050, farmers wi ll need ideas like this to hel p them produce 70% mo re food. “We need to ma ke more from less, upcycle waste into new ingredients and ensur e it’s safe for all,” says Mi chelle. “It’s an exciting time to be in food research.” – Ben Skuse
Proteomics Research Scientist, CSIRO
professor of chemistr y – gave her the skills she ne eded to succeed as a protein sci entist. Fast-for ward to today an d Michelle is involved in a range of cutting-edge food science research. Som e days she can be found tes ting foods involved with food allerg y or intolerance to ma ke sure it’s safe for peo ple. Ot her days she’ll be loo king at insects to see if they have the same proteins as sea food that cause allerg y.
More than a good brew
life, ns, the building blocks of Michelle’s work on protei wn do g nin science. She’s pin is much more than beer ects are plants, animals and ins w ho in proteins involved pes this ho e Sh . ent nm the enviro impacted by genetics or but us produce more food – understanding will help . ent nm iro env r ou to rmful better, safer and less ha en wh d science developed Michelle’s passion for foo ce en sci rked by “an inspiring a love for science was spa s an tem Ba in first high school teacher, Mr Bruce” at her d an ce en sci en de the lin k bet we Bay, NSW. She then ma in ded en att high school she food at the agricu ltural by degree and PhD mentored ce en sci a y, Sydney. Finall ale fem t firs a’s ali – Austr Professor Margaret Sheil
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Queensland
"
ng iversity in 2018 after bei I joined Edith Cowan Un lle che ssor of Beer’,” jokes Mi offered the role of ‘Profe of ua l title is Professor Colgrave. Though her act in mics, Michelle’s success teo Food and Agricult ura l Pro as n tio uta rep a protein gave her studying one particular n barley led to an ultra-low-glute It . a beer science expert ma ke beer. that is now being used to
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+FOOD
ckburn skye blaien tist
Gtoomoolodgistganrd fouodbsc!ientist
food sc
had a complete amino acid pro file; they were like a superfood! I thought, you kno w what? If anyone can convince people that eat ing insects is a good idea, it’s me. As an entomolog ist and food scientist I had the perfect combinatio n of skills.” Skye set up her own insect-b reeding facility and processing plant and has n’t looked back. Her edible-bug products have evo lved to meet changing tastes and the nov elty lollipops have made way for foods like high -protein cricket pasta. “Even though I didn’t set out to teach people about edible insects, I’ve tak en my skills and made it into something really awesom e.” – Kirsten Colvin
En ched her own Skye Blackburn launon our plates startup to get bugs and bamboo I tried crickets, grasshoppers e tasty, although worms in Thailand. They wer too spicy for me!” the worms were oily and a bit first taste of bugs. recalls Skye Blackburn of her holiday, Skye, who her When she got back from ntist (and had scie d foo a was already working as s), made ines bus ion cat edu her own bug-based mealworms 1000 lollipops with insects like set up a and scorpions inside them, and out in an hour. stand at a pet expo. They sold kets and “I decided to send some cric . When ting mealworms for nutritional tes t no-one tha d cke I got the results, I was sho d. They foo of rce sou was eating them as a
"
Bachelor of Science (Biological and Chemical Technology) (Invertebrate Biology), Western Sydney University
Don’t try th
is at home! Only sam that have ple edible bugs b prepared een farmed and for th If you are at purpose. seafood, avallergic to oi bugs as th d eating ey cause a si can mila reaction. r
Group Technical Manager, The Sydney biscuit Company
Butterfly Skye’s, Butterfly Release and Insect Education Business
Founder, Circle Harvest (formerly The Edible Bug Shop)
wson bonny rchano logist
Making menus
product te
Bonny Rawson is a proud Ballardong Noongar woman, who discovered a new world of food via an airline corporate gig ny Rawson s a product technologist, Bon choice to the new g brin works with a team to e I’m not just aus bec at gre s supermarket aisle. “It’ “I love being able to stuck in the office,” she says. people, from supply travel and work with different , to suppliers – big chain and category managers food, and eating it!” and little. I love being around nce (Food Bonny studied a Bachelor of Scie th’s Curtin Per at or) Science and Technology maj ours. Hon do to on t University, and then wen ed join she uni, In her last year at t links CareerTrackers, a program tha porate cor the with ts den Indigenous stu Qantas’ Q at hip rns inte an to led t world. Tha ed help develop Catering division where she t-class meals. menus for business- and firs as a Col After uni, Bonny joined es tion ribu dist th Per Quality Inspector at a
SHUTTERSTOCK / PIC CREDIT
A
Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Technology), Curtin University
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
centre, then went on to the com pany’s Store Support Graduate program whi ch led her to a career as a product technologi st. “You can stay in one category or move around, I choose to move around. I like to try new things and learn a bit more. I do wan t to develop my technical skills further, so I’m still figuring out what the career path is from here. I’ve got lots of ideas! I was accepted to be on an adv isor y committee for CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Wo men’s STEM Academy. It’s fun and such a diverse car eer.” – Kirsten Colvin
you can stay in one (food) category, but I choose to move around” Career Trackers Indigenous Intern, Q Catering, Qantas Airways
Mentor, CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy
Student Mentor, Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
Product Technologist, Coles
18
Study the science that will define tomorrow ECU’s diverse science disciplines are more relevant than ever.
The world needs scientists now more than ever. ECU’s School of Science offers a range of practical degrees that can lead to distinctly different careers in fields such as biological science, bioinformatics, environmental science and management, data science and more. If you’re interested in Science, but not sure what direction to go in, our Bachelor of Science degree gives you the flexibility to explore subjects, while developing a solid grounding in science and mathematics.
303ML 111478157 CRICOS IPC 00279B
Our flexible, world-class courses allow you to specialise in globally-relevant and diverse disciplines. Our strong industry links provide students with the most up-to-date information and important networking and internship opportunities. And our flexible study options are designed to allow you to fit study around your life. We offer a range undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a number of scientific disciplines such as: - Analytical Chemistry - Bioinformatics - Biological Science - Conservation & Wildlife Biology - Data Science
- Environmental Science & Management - Marine & Freshwater Biology - Mathematics - Physics
Find out more at ecuworldready.com.au/SCIENCE 19
-
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+ANIMALS
+ INNOVATION + HEALTH + FOOD + ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Walk on the wild side
ere are more career paths Th ? als im an th wi ng rki wo of Dream
than you think
P
? There's a world assionate about animals s for you to eer car of science-focussed than people e ers div re discover. “It’s mo s Sarah Legge, immediately think,” say Australian Nationa l the at ist a wildlife ecolog “You can be hands-on, University in Canberra. you can sit at a desk working in the field, or computer modelling.” s taken her all over Sarah ’s 30-year career ha Papua New Guinea. A the world, from Africa to exploring the planet’s major perk of her job is about the inner wilderness and learning world. workings of the natural ising species and how ogn rec rt sta “When you ver wa lk through they fit together, you’ll ne y again. The the forest in the same wa endlessly world just comes alive. It’s be bored!” ver interesting and you’ll ne
SHUTTERSTOCK.
Secrets from the animal kin
dg
om Sarah believes the secret to building a career in animals and wildlife is gaining first-hand experience early on. The Australian Wildlife Conservancy and NSW Nationa l Parks an d Wildlife Ser vice run volunteer programs foc ussing on Australia’s threatened birds and an imals. Volunteers get their hands dir ty settin g up traps, recording animal sightings, and res toring habitats. For those passionate abo ut taking care of animals, Taronga Zoo Syd ney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo take on volunteer keepers across a range of animal care activities, from chopping food to kee ping enclosures clean. Citizen science projects are also a great way to build skills, and you do n’t even need to leave the house. Wildlife Spott er is an on line project run by the Australian Mu seum that helps researchers monitor nativ e animals. Participants identify an d record animals in camera trap images from all over Oz, spotting almost 2.4 million anim als in 2020 alone. With over ha lf of mamm als, birds, fish, and reptiles being wiped out in the last 40 years, Sarah says, “The more yo ung people join this discipline, the better. Th at’s how we’ll change the world.” – Gemma Co nroy
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
START YOUR CAREER HER E
Science+An imals stud y
Bachelor of Sc ience (Zoolo (Animal Scienc gy) / Bachelor of Natural Sc ience e), Western Sydn ey University Bachelor of Ve terinar y Scienc e, James Cook University Bachelor of Sc ience (Marine Biolog y) Bachelor of Sc ience (Wildlife Conser vation Bi The University olog y), of Adelaide
science+an imals Jobs Zoologist : $50K–$86K Wildlife biolog ist: $50K–$77 K Veterinarian: $5 3K–$101K Zookeeper: $3 6K–$75K* *Source: Salaries according to pa yscale.com
20
SCIENCE+UNI OF ADELAIDE being a vet annah Passmore dreamed of ugh she knew since she was little, even tho would mean lots it was highly competitive and of study – she was driven. straight into the Hannah got the marks to go y Bioscience) at nar Bachelor of Science (Veteri d by a owe foll e, the University of Adelaid And after six ne. dici Me ary doctorate of Veterin d months of work years of study, which include nce, she’s now placements and clinical experie als for a living. living her dream, saving anim d to be quite “It’s definitely a degree you nee But even if ut. abo committed to and passionate t, you’ll end firs ree deg you have to do a different s Hannah, say ,” eer car ing up with a really reward ironment at the who loved the close-knit env animal behaviour re whe , pus Roseworthy Cam are taught. and animal science courses al emergency Her current role is at an anim works long nah centre in Adelaide, where Han ing in tak t, shifts after-hours and at nigh ds. nee l dica me y animals with emergenc nah Han g thin one , vet a Since working as be to is it nt orta imp has learned is how “I have a huge a people person in this role. of the job is love of animals, but so much ls, managing also to do with your people skil she says. ns,” people and client expectatio – Gemma Chilton
H
The pet protector graduate University of Adelaides lives for Hannah Passmore save an animal a living – as a vet at Adelaide emergency centre in
Bachelor of science (Veterinary Bioscience), University of Adelaide
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Adelaide
Vet, Vets4Pets, Adelaide
Vet, Animal Emergency Centre, Adelaide
STUDY VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY There's more than one way to lead animal health care Also known as Allied Veterinary Professionals, veterinary technologists play a vital role in modern animal welfare. As well as providing high-level, hands-on veterinary care, including being a part of the anaesthesia, surgery and diagnostic imaging team, they oversee the
application of cutting-edge new veterinary technology. As a veterinary technologist, you can play a key role in delivering maximum benefit to animals’ health and wellbeing.
adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder Search: vet + tech 21
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+ANIMALS shasta henry/ Entomologist ator unic science comm
Bug Girl
Henry Spiny or fuzzy, Shasta aring is passionate about shd insects with the worl
bing eering under rocks and clim ing eth trees to find insects is som , Now of. out Shasta Henry never grew e hav es hfir she gets to study how bus rate impacted insect and inverteb unt Field Mo s nia’ ma populations in Tas National Park. cks that “Insects are like building blo says le,” create the ecosystem as a who m the of Shasta. “There are 40 tonnes of nty per person, so there are ple opportunities to learn!” Despite her passion for creepy an ing om bec , crawlies as a kid on Shasta’s entomologist wasn’t exactly ped science radar as a teenager. She skip a couple of altogether in Year 12 and did and stints working in ecotourism
P
the more you look, the more questions you have. It's endlessly interesting” Bachelor of Science (Honours), InvertebrateEcology, University of Tasmania
Intern, Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Natural History
left school. whitewater rafting when she rs for a few After working in the outdoo when she years, Shasta enrolled in uni k. bac was 23 and never looked bugs in the for g When she isn’t lookin works as sta Sha , Tasmanian wilderness r. ato nic a science commu cts “People don’t realise that inse says s,” live ir the of ect asp ry impact eve gain to ch mu Shasta. “Scientists have so e enc Sci . from telling their own stories .” belongs to the community nt to Shasta says that it’s importa and ask can you nity grab every opportu what for ask to e erv for help. “You des nteer volu up, d han r you put you want, so re,” the for things and put yourself out roy Con ma Gem – s. she say
Science Communicator, Future Crunch
PhD, University of Tasmania
Talking to animals his Ben Dessen combines with nd zoological backgrou skills as tion excellent communica nservationist co d an r te a TV presen bush meant that rowing up in the Australian epy crawlies snakes, spiders and other cre ike some of us, Ben were never far away. But unl n to the amazing LOVED his early introductio Australian ecosystem. work as a wildlife He started out in volunteer experience and on dsrescuer to get some han of Natural or hel Bac a in 2014 completed ence at the Sci l ma Ani in Science majoring s appeared He’ . ney Syd rn ste We University of Saturday Disney and even on TV shows from Sunrise to vie Rise of the Eco Warriors. had a feature role in the mo neo, an amazing island His work has taken him to Bor Islands group of the Malay that is in the Greater Sunda endangered orang-utan Archipelago and home to the cies threatened by and many other incredible spe es. log ging activities and bushfir
G
Casual, Australian Reptile Park
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
@TheConservationFiles
I was that weird kid growing up who was more interested in bugs than football.”
Wildlife rescuer/carer, Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Servies
Bachelor of Natural Science, University of Western Sydney
22
Board director and sanctuary manager, Zambi Native Wildlife Sanctuary
er e tracatk Wildlif how wsome is investig ing
dr thomas newsome ecologist / lecturer
Dr Thomas Ne shape ecosystems humans and animals early teens tag ging homas Newsome spent his er on field trips. “It along with his ecologist fath blems we face in exposed me to all of the pro s of introduced species Australia, such as the impact s,” says Thomas, who and native animal extinction himself and is based at y now works in wildlife ecolog . the University of Sydney humans and wildlife Thomas is researching how ticularly scavengers drive ecosystem changes, par goes. Today he could be and large predators like din le tomorrow could set ting up camera traps, whi in the soil. involve measuring nutrients to wildlife ecolog y, “There is a real academic side a hole, trap an dig to e but you also need to be abl Thomas. s say ,” rifle animal, or fire a dar ting life ecologists? wild g irin asp for Thomas’ advice degree. “There are a lot Get experience during your often not sitting on of opportunities, but they are n’t be afraid to write a platter,” says Thomas. “Do – Gemma Conroy that email or ask someone.”
T
Bachelor of Science (Environmental), University of Sydney Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney
Master of Appiled Science (Wildlife Health and Population Management), University of Sydney Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Desert Ecology Research Group, University of Sydney
Lecturer, University of Sydney
Q&A with a wildlife bio logist Janice Vaz spent her childhood watching nature documentaries, and now as a wildlife biologist her 9-5 life basically is one biolog y – was there How did you get into wildlife loads of study involved? my hometown – “Yep, and I did most of it in k up zoolog y and too lly Mumbai, India! I origina animals and plants, ut abo n lear botany so I could vet clinic I realised but after interning at a private h sick or injured I didn’t just want to work wit re interested in studying animals. I decided I was mo a Masters in Wildlife animal behaviours, completed degree and landed te Biolog y, applied for a doctora our scholarship eav End nt the Australian Governme dy.” stu which led me here to M at high school? Were you always a fan of STE watching shows on od “I spent most of my childho ional Geographic, so Nat and l the Discovery Channe favourite science.” biolog y has always been my you working on? What kind of research are lions, tigers and ny Ma “Big cat personalities! or bred in captivity, up t ugh bro n leopards have bee ir behaviour under stress so my research looks at the Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Botany), St Xavier’s College, India
in order to improve their welfare. Some of the techniques I’m researching will be used in real rescue operations which will improve – and spread awareness – about big cat welfare.”
janice vaz biologist
What does an average work day look like? “One day I might spend time collecting data and observing a lion’s behaviour. Another I might be in the lab – in my white coat – studying a big cat’s poop. I also work at a desk sometimes writing up my results and findings.” Any tips for others keen to land a gig like yours? “Find your passion! Keep trying different options until you find it. Talk to others and get hands-on experience which will help you realise what you do and don’t like about a particular career. Keep moving in the direction of what you love!” – Cassie Steel
Master of Science (Wildlife Biology), A.V.C. College, India
23
ples Processing a lion’s faecal sam k ’s wor – aka poop – is all in a day for wildlife biologist Janice.
PhD, Western Sydney University
SCIENCE
SCIENCE+ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
+ ANIMALS + INNOVATION + HEALTH + FOOD
New stuff
Homegrown heroes
Since the start of CO VI D-19 and the global pa ndem ic, pe ople have been keen to ra mp up loc al ma nu factu rin g using adva nced tec hnologies. And keeping it local will mean more jobs for Australian science grads to find new an d better ways to ma ke the th ings we need.
Scientists are reinventing how mass production works and the materials we’re using
M
a long way from simple anufacturing has come l Intelligence (AI), production lines. Ar tificia s d cutting-edge material Vir tua l Reality (VR), an to g din cor Ac s. new direction are taking it in exciting , this scientist Dr Alan Fin kel ief ch ing Australia’s outgo ies for new graduates. is opening up opportunit – aspect of manufacturing “A I is seeping into every as ent tal panies are buying up AI and manufacturing com churn it out,” he says. fast as universities can
What is advanced manufac
turing?
Advanced manufacturing uses technology and innovation to change up the way we ma ke things. It cou ld be turnin g used glass bottles, old clothes and coffee gro unds into kitchen tiles in a microfactorie, or ma king metal parts for navy ships with 3D printing. All kinds of scientists are working hard in research labs and manu facturing plants to drive the revolution for ward!
Check out these fab five as of science and technology behind thare e ad manufacturing revolution.. vanced . 1. Augmented and virtual
reality
Gamers are fans, but thi s tech also helps improve safety, training and pro duction speeds in manufacturing. Compute r scientists help develop the tech, but it can be use d by any science grad to take manufacturing to the next level.
REER HERE START YOUR CA
anufacturing Advanced M y +stud , UTS ed Manufacturing
in Advanc Associate Degree / (Nanotechnolog y) Bachelor of Science lied Sciences), RMIT (App Bachelor of Science Griffith University r of Data Science, elo ch Ba / ce ien Sc of r elo ch Ba
ufacturing Advanced MJaOnBS + 6K–$110K t: $5 Research scientis 92K facturing: $51K–$ nu ma Production planner, * –$100K Data analyst: $51K to payscale.com ng rdi co ac es *Source: salari
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
2. 3D printing
hting hose fittings Ar tificia l limbs, fire-fig be made cheaply and and face shields can all ology, which is also quickly using this techn facturing’. Chemists known as ‘additive manu play an important role and materials scientists turing sector. in the additive manufac
3. Automation and smart rob
ots
workers share Advanced manufacturing laborative robots and their workspace with col mputer scientists and automated equipment. Co te with engineers to mathematicians collabora hly! oot sm ma ke sure things run
s 4. Next-generation material
peshift when you From ceramics that sha n-cut material apply electricit y to a no materials scientists based on aba lone shells, ilding blocks of are transforming the bu manufacturing.
5. Sensors and data analy
tics
g track of how Data scientists are keepin are running and ses manufacturing proces uce costs, energ y red to on using the informati e Cranenburgh use and waste. – Nadin
24
Shapeshifting sonar PhD student Scarlet Kong is harnessing shape-changing materials to send soundwaves through the deep
S
carlet Kong works with defence industries to design next-gen piezoelectric materials for underwater sonar systems. When you squeeze these materials, they produce an electrical charge. And if you apply electricity to the materials, they change their shape! “We’re enhancing this shape-changing property to use in sonars,” Scarlet says – which gives ships and submarines the ability to ‘see’ underwater, for instance.
A fascination with understanding and controlling materials led Scarlet into her current career. “Materials science and engineering is looking at how materials behave and how we can change their properties,” she says. During her undergrad degree, Scarlet scored a six-week US research exchange through UNSW, which opened the door to her PhD project. She encourages other students to seek out opportunities to gain experience outside of their coursework. “That’s where you’re going to get the most out of your uni journey,” she says. – Nadine Cranenburgh ng (Chemical) Bachelor of Engineeri d Engineering an ce ien Sc s / Material UNSW ), ree deg e (doubl
ANNA KUCERA
In control
scarlet kong phd student
rch Undergr aduate Resea rolina Ca rth No t, tan sis As State University, US
Student Ambassador, UNSW
PhD, Materials Science, UNSW
Keeping it clean According to The 2020 rge Revolution report from St Geo are rs ure act nuf ma sie Bank, Aus all about keeping it local…
Chemistry Honours graduate Declan Burke is helping turn natural gas and iron ore into clean hydrogen and graphite Hazer Group in WA, Declan s a research assistant at the ed, rcialise an Australian-design Burke is working to comme l fue icle veh n clea ke hydrogen for low-emissions process to ma and energy. res and pressures to force the “We’re using high temperatu phite,” and deposit the carbon as gra hydrogen and carbon apart nt to pla commercial demonstration he says. Hazer is building a te phi gra en and 380 tonnes of produce 100 tonnes of hydrog a h wit ns to power the plant each year. And there are pla -sustaining, too. self is it hydrogen fuel cell, so
A
nt 88%kewamo re to ma essential products in Australia
nt the 82%rnwa ment to
Light-bulb moment s, he realised that he wanted
gove use locally produced items
68%wesareidmore
they likely to use local products than before COVID-19
declan burke
research assistant
Laboratory Technician, WA Department of Parks and Wildlife
studie Early in Declan’s university ce. He make the world a bet ter pla to ls skil try mis to use his che t to do losophy to explore how bes took on a double major in phi realise my actions had that. “Philosophy made me consequences,” he says. lan channelled his passion for For his Honours project, Dec scored rogen-splitting project, then renewable energy into a hyd . r graduation his current role at Hazer afte he nt and critical thinking skills nde epe ind the s Declan say was “It . ble lua inva n bee e year hav learned during his Honours real that prepared me most for the one the but r, yea t the hardes nenburgh world,” he says. – Nadine Cra
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Honours, UWA
25
Research Assistant, Hazer Group
SHUTTERSTOCK
Stats speak!
SCIENCE
NEXT STEPS
r u o y t r a t s k c i K e c n e i c s n i r e e r ca If your future dream job is all about science, start here…
High school elective chec
klist Your fave science electives (biology, chemistry, physics) are the obvious choice for any aspiring sci entist – but your science career electi ve must-haves don’t stop there. For a start, you’ll want to stick with maths. “I can’t overemp hasise that for many tertiary study fields you must have strong knowledge of mathematics. These include medicine , science, engineering, economics and commerce,” says Australia’s outgoing chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel. Humanities subjects are a definite bonus for a career in sci ence, while creativity and language are valuable, too. You won’t always be wo rking with other scientists, for a start, so communication skills are crucial!
julianna kadar shark biologist
Mahonri owen robotics engineer
Find mentors
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Start to hone your passion qualifications – as before you have any formal three projects you a citizen scientist! Here are ... can take par t in right now
rnet? Got a computer and the inte ian Then you can help Austral xies scientists understand how gala of ges ima grow and evolve by inspecting roquest.net.au galaxies in a game format. ast
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This issue went to press on 21 January 2021. Printed in Australia by IVE.
Cover image: Lauren Trompp
Become a citizen scientist! and skills in science
gID app The Australian Museum’s Fro over out disc you s call records the frog g ntin cou of aim the h in nature, wit Your s. itat hab ir the in s frog Australia’s to discover erts recordings are sent to frog exp singing to you. are s, which species of frog, or frog frogid.net.au
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Foldit
t Foldit is an online game tha teins pro fold to challenges players cture stru ir the d tan to bet ter unders ntists and scie p hel to nt Wa and function. is now challenging save lives? The Foldit team antiviral proteins that citizen scientists to design .it can bind with coronavirus. fold
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