University of Sydney, Gadigal Country | He/Him
Jordan is descendant of the Birri Gubba people and Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney. Jordan completed his PhD at the Australian National University in 2019 developing numerical techniques used in modelling the impact of tsunamis and storm surges. His current research focuses on developing mathematical models of the interaction between ocean waves and sea ice, which influences the annual growth and melt of sea ice and thus the Earth’s climate. This research combines Jordan’s passion for mathematics and his love of water and the way it moves, which is at the heart of many issues facing society and some of the most complex problems in mathematics.
Jordan is deeply committed to improving inclusion of all peoples in Science and STEM more broadly. This deep commitment comes from his own experience as a First Nation’s person working in both academia and government. He also believes in the necessity of a diversity of voices at the table to make meaningful progress on society’s largest challenges, such as climate change. Jordan also hopes to see more mob doing science, and better appreciation of the science that mob are already doing, such as their Traditional Knowledges.
Australian National University, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country | She/Her
Tomoko joined the ANU in 2022 to establish the Health Data Analytics team (HDAT), College of Health and Medicine (CHM). Since December 2023, she is also the Director of the National Centre for Health Workforce Studies. Prior to joining the ANU, Tomoko led teams at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Department of Health and Aged Care in executive roles. She has extensive experience in innovative use of data to inform public service decision making and leading teams from diverse professional and academic backgrounds.
Tomoko has worked successfully in Asia and in Australia across the private sector, not-for-profit sector, the public service and academic institutions. As a management consultant, she led teams delivering geospatial market analysis for pharmaceutical companies entering Asia-Pacific markets. She has a Bachelor of Sciences with honours in psychology and a PhD in Psychology from the University of New South Wales. During her time at the National Institute of Mental Health in Japan, she contributed to epidemiological studies and published in peer reviewed journals. In 2024, Tomoko is participating in the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program run by the APRU as a mentor.
South East Water, Melbourne, traditional land of the Bunurong people | He/Him
Li is a Research Strategist at South East Water, focusing on industry-based strategic research and IP portfolio management. He is also an Australian Research Council inaugural Industry Fellow, where he studies resource recovery technology to transform Australian water utilities with the circular economy.
Li has a keen interest in connecting the ‘blue sky research’ from research organisations with the ‘real application’ in the industry sectors, bringing real benefits to the community. As an EMCR with a strong industry background, he is really passionate about driving collaborations/interactions between EMCRs and the industry sectors. He believes this will support EMCRs to gain deeper insights into industry sectors and broaden their career pathways, which is in alignment with EMCR Forum objectives and Australian national research initiatives (e.g., ARC Industry Fellowship, industry PhD program, ARC Linkage schemes, etc.). At the personal level, Li has substantial volunteer experience, including the Chair for Victorian Water Panel (Engineers Australia) and Board Director at Membrane Society of Australasia.
University of Melbourne, Wurundjeri Land | They/Them
Mohammad is a multidisciplinary researcher exploring the frontiers of materials science, sustainability, and electronic engineering. With a passion for unravelling the mysteries of phase-changing materials, they strive to apply their findings in exciting fields like photonics and sustainable systems. Driven by the belief that a profound understanding of phenomena can unlock untapped potential, they are dedicated to delivering ground-breaking outcomes in their diverse areas of expertise.
Beyond their scientific pursuits, Mohammad is a staunch advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, working tirelessly to support and empower their fellow members. Their commitment to inclusivity and diversity extends beyond the lab, creating a positive impact on both their academic environment and society as a whole.
As a true wordsmith, Mohammad expresses their creativity through various forms of writing. From thought-provoking poetry and captivating fiction to insightful nonfiction pieces, their written work showcases the depth of their intellect and imagination. Additionally, they have a keen interest in the world of film and contribute their exceptional writing and storytelling skills to the cinematic experience. Mohammad's diverse pursuits encompass scientific excellence, social progress, and artistic flair, making them an inspiring force for innovation and positive change.
CSIRO, Brisbane/Meanjin | She/Her
Mibu is a marine ethnoecologist in the Sustainable Marine Futures Research Program at CSIRO Environment. She looks for ways to integrate and respect Indigenous & Traditional Peoples’ knowledge and science specifically in fisheries, climate change and restoration practices. Educating STEM professionals on the importance of respecting, engaging and acknowledging the knowledge and science of Indigenous and Traditional Peoples is in addition to her work as a researcher.
Mibu is passionate about diversity in STEM, with a particular interest in increasing the representation of Indigenous voices (both nationally and internationally). She informally mentors young Indigenous women who are interested in marine/environmental science and always has time to provide a safe space to chat about the challenges that exist for Indigenous researchers who work within the Indigenous science space, by providing compassion and common ground that exists around cultural complexities and worldviews when working in a western focussed system.
She is equally as passionate about science communication. As a team member for That’s What I Call Science, Mibu works with a group of ECRs to produce STEMM podcasts and related events, like the Diversity in STEMM Gallery. She has participated in numerous panel discussions around the inclusion of Indigenous people in research and the importance of recognising Indigenous Knowledge. Mibu has appeared in Channel 10’s Scope television show and has written several articles including for CSIROBlog, Subak Australia and Australian Strategic Policy Institutes ‘The Strategist’.
Australian National University, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country | He/Him
Charlie is a Research Strategist in the Research School of Biology at the Australian National University. He supports major research initiatives that are often interdisciplinary and multi-institutional. Working closely with academics, the research committee, and professional staff he contributes to the development of strategic research directions and activities to build research and translation capabilities.
Previously he served as postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge (UK). There he led a Blue Skies collaboration with AstraZeneca and served on the executive committee of the Postdoc Society of Cambridge. He worked to highlight challenges faced by ECRs to university administrators and increase opportunities for ECRs to develop community, gain teaching experience and explore non-academic career pathways.
He is passionate about science education and can often be found volunteering at science festivals and classrooms, lecturing, and mentoring junior researchers. He was a Mirzayan Science Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Sciences (USA) where he worked on the Board of Science Education.
He earned his PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from the University of California San Francisco, USA. There he developed his love of science education with the Science & Health Education Partnership. Charlie moved to Australia in 2021 to follow his partner, who is also an EMCR.
Monash University, Melbourne, traditional land of the Bunurong people | She/Her
Anna is a Senior Lecturer, and Head of the Water Group in the Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University. She is a co-lead of the Green Infrastructure and Water Quality Lab in the Department of Civil Engineering. With a passion for clean and healthy waterways, her research focuses on investigating the drivers of waterway pollution, predicting future pollution, and designing strategies to clean up waterways. She has worked closely with government partners to assess and model riverine water quality.
She trained in science communication and engagement through the Fresh Science Program (2021) and the STEM Ambassador Program (Science and Technology Australia). She has also acted as the Early Career Researcher Representative on the Future Earth Australia Steering Committee.
Anna believes that communication is a crucial part of science, underpinning science literacy and policy making. She is also concerned about the increasing job insecurity facing young researchers in STEM fields. She would like to see young scientists and academics empowered to make impact in their fields, whilst being true to their themselves and their values.
Anna has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), a Bachelor of Arts and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Monash University. She is also currently juggling her academic position alongside raising two young children and is grateful for the support of her network that enables this juggle to occur.
Charles Darwin University, Larrakia Country | He/Him
Clem is a Senior Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University, specialising in hydrology and biogeochemistry. He uses isotopic tracers to understand the dynamics of streams and rivers, focusing on how these aquatic ecosystems store and release water, carbon and nutrients. In 2022, he received a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) from the Australian Research Council, making him the first DECRA recipient in the Northern Territory. At Charles Darwin University, Clem leads a group that aims to quantify how much carbon is exported from rivers to oceans across Australia. This work involves both field observations and modelling and will be key to the development of a more accurate carbon budget for the nation.
Originally from rural France, Clem has a rich international background, having lived in Mexico, Laos and Sweden before pursuing his PhD studies at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, where he earned his PhD in 2016.
Passionate about supporting early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) in small regional universities, Clem advocates for improved resources and connections for researchers in smaller institutions. He understands the unique challenges faced by EMCRs in these settings and would like to help enhance their research opportunities and career development.
Griffith University, Gold Coast campus, Bundjalung Nation | She/Her
Lisa is a Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University. She holds dual qualifications as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (Dietitians Australia) and Accredited Exercise Physiologist (Exercise & Sports Science Australia). She teaches undergraduate dietitians in the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics and her research focuses on optimising nutrition and physical activity behaviours in women and children. Lisa is passionate about understanding end-user perspectives to help navigate complex challenges in healthcare and community settings.
She is working across a diverse range of projects including Early Childhood Education and Care Settings (i.e. long daycare, outside school hours care, family daycare) and workforce development, postpartum nutrition, and physical activity optimisation particularly with novel technology, utilising social eating to optimise nutrition in the Defence Force, nutrition care in endometriosis, First Nations paediatric nutrition care and understanding adult bitter-taste sensitivity. All of her projects have a focus on understanding system influences and stakeholder perspectives to optimise provision of nutrition care and/or settings-based approaches to enhance the nutrition and physical activity environment.
Lisa is mother to two super fun and active young boys. She adores sharing her love of cooking with her children and all the mess (and fun!) that creates. Bike riding, playgrounds, soccer, cricket, swimming, trampolines, and coffee make up all of her free time (hello playground era of parents to young children!!). Lisa’s commitment to her family, and her academic pursuits, have made her passionate about championing academics/researchers to pursue meaningful careers AND be supported to follow their family dreams. While ‘balance’ may be an ever-changing goal in parenthood, Lisa is an advocate for opening genuine and honest conversations about the challenges to taking career opportunities when trying to simultaneously meet family commitments. She would love to see a world where systems change supports women to stay in research, achieve their goals and enjoy their vision of parenthood.
University of Western Australia, Perth, Noongar Country | He/Him
Dr. Marcus Korb is a passionate Molecular Chemist at the School of Molecular Sciences at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth (Borloo). His research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel organometallic transition metal complexes. With a focus on iron, he aims to replace noble metals such as palladium and platinum, that are widely used as catalysts for the synthesis of drugs and small molecular building blocks, by cheaper and environmentally friendly alternatives. He supports his research with computational models and in situ spectro-electrochemical methods to identify intermediate species.
Marcus received his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Technology in Chemnitz (TUC, Germany) supported by a Chemie-Fonds Scholarship (VCI), focusing on asymmetric catalysis using iron-based ligands. He continued his research on mixed valent complexes and silver-based joining materials through a joint postdoctoral position at TUC and the German Center of Excellence MERGE. In 2019 he received a Fellowship from the Forrest Research Foundation and moved to Perth, where he started to explore the field of small molecule activation through low-valent transition metal complexes. He founded his own research group at UWA in 2023, supported by a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) from the Australian Research Council (ARC). His current research interests remain focused on organometallic complexes, transition-metal catalysis, electron-transfer, and ferrocenyl-containing molecules.
Marcus is part of the WA Early Career Chemistry group of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) where he aims to strengthen the network of Chemists in Western Australia and helps to maintain a strong relationship with local industries. As a board member of the WA division, he uses his voice to promote the interests of young Chemists.
Nursing Research Institute, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country | She/Her
Nicola Straiton is a nurse and Senior Research Fellow at the Nursing Research Institute, a collaboration between St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and the Australian Catholic University, her research interests include cardiovascular disease, implementation science and digital health. Nicola completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) at The University of Sydney in 2023 focused on the acceptability of heart valve replacement procedures, and patient-reported outcomes in adults with aortic stenosis.
Her role involves designing, leading, and conducting collaborative research to enhance the translation of evidence into practice and to build the research capacity and capabilities of clinician researchers. To further these efforts, Nicola currently co-leads the Maridulu Budyari Gumal SPHERE (Sydney Partnership in Health, Education, Research & Enterprise) Nursing and Midwifery Implementation Science Academy's early and mid-career researcher group. Additionally, Nicola serves as an advisory and scientific member of the Australian and New Zealand Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials.
Nicola is also a keen advocate for involving patients, carers and the public in research prioritisation, co-design and dissemination.
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Kaurna Country | She/Her
Stephanie is a Senior Research Fellow at the Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). Her research primarily uses routinely collected observational data to improve care and health outcomes for the older population, including people accessing aged care services, people with experience of stroke and people living with dementia. She completed her PhD at Newcastle University, UK in 2016 and has since held postdoctoral appointments in Australia and the UK. She has led five government-commissioned reports that directly informed policies and practices affecting older people, including for the Royal Commission into Aged Care, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and Public Health England.
Stephanie is passionate about science communication and engaging with the public as important collaborators who add valuable insight to research. She convened the 2019 ‘Redefining Healthy Ageing Together’ two-day conference with support from the Australian Academy of Science which was attended by 60 early-mid career researchers (EMCRs) and >100 members of the public. She has written articles for The Conversation (>127,000 readers), and delivered several radio, TV (ABC), and newspaper interviews.
James Cook University, Townsville, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Land | She/Her
Yang is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at James Cook University, leading a research group of Electrochemistry and Sensors in the College of Science and Engineering. She received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011. Prior to her current position at James Cook University, she worked as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2011-2013), and Curtin University, Australia (2013-2016). From 2016-2018, she held a position as a Chemist and Research Officer at ChemCentre, Western Australian Government.
Yang has built extensive experience across her research interests of electrochemistry, nanomaterials and sensing technologies. Her current research areas include the development of high-performance and low-cost electrochemical sensors for agricultural, environmental and biological applications, as well as utilisation of plasma electrochemistry for green synthesis, water treatment, and renewable energy production. Yang’s dedication to these fields resulted in her being awarded the 2022 Paul Haddad Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the 2023 EMCR Mobility Grant from Australian Academy of Science, and the 2023 Royal Australian Chemical Institute Fellowship in recognition of her research excellence in Chemistry.
Find out more about the EMCR Forum’s former Executive Committee members.
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