Three researchers are 2019 Superstars of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program run by Science and Technology Australia.

 

Watch the videos below for a snapshot of the trio's roles at Menzies. The Northern Territory Government, Office of Gender Equity and Diversity proudly sponsored the production of the videos.

 

Associate Professor Heidi Smith-Vaughan, Head of Menzies Child Health Laboratory Research and a career development research fellow.
 

“I want to have the difficult discussions about the challenges women face, so that we can work towards real solutions. I also want to be more effective in pushing back against the tide of fake and weak ‘evidence’, and misinterpreted data that endanger the health of our population. I hope to do this through Superstars of STEM by improving my communication skills, building my profile, and joining vibrant networks”, said Associate Professor Smith-Vaughn.
 

Dr Teresa Wozniak is a HOT NORTH career development research fellow where she is working on better understanding the health and economic impact of drug resistant infections across northern Australia.

 

“In my current role, I am working alongside so many amazing and inspirational women who are dedicated to improving health outcomes in the tropical north of Australia and beyond. I want to use this opportunity to usher in the next generation of female scientists and support them towards achieving their goals”, said Dr Wozniak.

 

Dr Kalinda Griffiths is a Yawuru woman and honorary fellow at Menzies, also holding a Scientia fellowship at the Centre for Big Data Research at UNSW. Her work empirically measures complex health disparities in populations through existing data, with a focus on cancer.
 

“I am excited to be selected as a Superstar of STEM alongside a diverse range of extraordinary women, some of whom have inspired me to work in STEM. I want to draw attention to the power of big data and discuss some of the issues in data governance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research. This is an opportunity to promote equity”, said Dr Griffiths.