Irene Penesis is an Associate Professor in Mathematics in the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania. Irene’s research interests are experimental and mathematical techniques mainly applied to the study of ocean renewable energy. She holds the substantive role as Chair of Marine Renewable Energy Specialist Committee of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC), a peak international body, and leads a multi-disciplinary research team at AMC working in this field. Being an outstanding teacher is also an essential aspect of her work and a driver for her passion for engineering and mathematics education.