Dr Chedia Dhaoui
Senior Lecturer, School of Information Systems and Technology Management
"Believe in your potential and pursue your ambitions."
UNSW STEMM Champions Directory
The UNSW STEMM Champions Program have undertaken six professional development workshops and at least 10 hours of outreach, inspiring the next generation of STEMM innovators while developing their own careers. To find out more about some of our STEMM Champions, explore their profiles below.
2026 Cohort - UNSW Business School
Chloe Nguyen
PhD Candidate, School of Information Systems and Technology
Hanisha Chawla
Women in Business Ambassador
"You can literally do anything and everything."
Dr Ines Kuric
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Management and Governance
Jeeviha Sangar
Women in Business Ambassador, School of Banking & Finance
Jiya Patel
Women in Business Ambassador, School of Management & Governance
Dr Kevin Kuan
Senior Lecturer, School of Information Systems and Technology Management
Dr Kristle Romero Cortes
Associate Professor, School of Banking and Finance
"Be your own boss."
Madhvi Madhvi
Tax Accountant, UNSW Tax Clinic
"We shape systems, systems shape us. Let's think about our role here."
Marian Vindya Cooray
Doctoral researcher, School of Information Systems and Technology Management
“Science opens pathways to explore your curiosity.”
Dr Matteo Malavasi
Senior Lecturer, School of Risk and Actuarial Studies
"Explore it and be yourself!"
Monique Munro
Communications Officer, Career Accelerator
"Bring your unique perspective, stay curious and follow your interests."
Neda Dowling
Engagement and Communication Coordinator, Dean's Unit
"The most powerful thing you can bring to any room is yourself."
Rhiannon Tout
Project Officer - EDI, Dean's Unit
"Stay curious; your ideas can drive innovation and impact."
Sharon Simms
Indigenous SS & Engagement Officer, Dean's Unit
Tahmina Akhter
Associate Lecturer, BCOM IFY
"You belong, your way of seeing the world is powerful."
Zongxi Chen
Associate Lecturer, School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation
"Your Story Matters. Your Voice Matters."
2026 Cohort - UNSW Engineering
Aqsa Mehreen
PhD Candidate, School of Chemical Engineering
"Keep striving, believe in yourself, and embrace every opportunity."
Dr Ayesha Siddika
Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Baqer Alkuraysi
PhD Candidate, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
"STEMM turns curiosity into solutions that make life better."
Chris Bergh
PhD Candidate, School of Computer Science & Engineering
"Science is all around you, waiting for you to explore."
David Yiyang Liu
PhD Candidate, School of Computer Science & Engineering
"Science is recognising what we don't know!"
Geetika Maddirala
PhD Candidate, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
"The dots will connect later. Trust your path."
Harmonee Tsang
Teaching Support Officer, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Dr Jane Harding
Technical Officer, School of Chemical Engineering
"Stay curious."
Dr Jia Liu
Acadmic, School of Minerals & Energy Resources Engineering
"What makes you different can make a difference."
Dr Kay Song
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
"Curiosity is your biggest asset."
Dr Mohamed Mahmoud
Research Associate, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
“Turn curiosity into discovery.”
Dr Rachel Zhang
Scientia Lecturer, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW
"It's never too late if you're willing to work hard."
Renjith Hari Kumar
PhD Candidate, School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
Dr Shimul Kanti Nath
Senior Research Associate, School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
"Great discoveries often begin with small questions."
Sijia Xu
PhD Candidate, School of Computer Science & Engineering
"There is no single path to success in STEMM."
Dr Sumaya Sarmin
Research Officer, School of Chemical Engineering
"Stay curious, keep learning, and never fear asking questions."
Dr Yanyan Lao
Research Associate, School of Chemical Engineering
"Your unique perspective is your greatest strength."
Yuka Maruyama
PhD Candidate, School of Computer Science & Engineering
"DisABILITY is one of the abilities to show yourself."
2026 Cohort - UNSW Medicine & Health
Afsana Anwar
PhD Candidate, School of Clinical Medicine
"Compassion, curiosity and courage can change life."
Dr Ashraful Kabir
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Clinical Medicine
"Your questions today can become tomorrow’s solutions."
Dr Braulio Valencia
Senior Research Associate, International Centre for Future Health Systems
"STEMM=consistency, discipline, and resilience... Join the STEMMina club!"
Dr Jack Cooper
Research Associate, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN)
"Research is the first step to enacting real change."
Jiawei Shen
PhD Candidate, School of Optometry & Vision Science
"Big journeys are built one tiny step at a time."
Dr Jocelin Chan
Lecturer, School of Health Sciences
"Stay curious. Stay brilliant. Be a great scientist."
Dr Kate Nicholls
Research Officer, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)
Dr Maria Gonzalez
Research Associate, School of Population Health
"Be brave enough to explore the unknown."
Mengfei Chen
PhD Candidate, The Kirby Institute
"Dream big, think critically, and stay curious."
Moumitha Dey
PhD Candidate, School of Biomedical Sciences
"Our world is full of patterns waiting for us to notice them."
Dr Sarah Ashcroft
Lecturer, School of Health Sciences
"Never stop questioning things and learning more."
Dr Tegan Stettaford
Lecturer, School of Health Sciences
"Just start somewhere; start anywhere! You will find your place."
Xiaona Ping
PhD Candidate, School of Optometry and Vision Science
"Find what fascinates you, then follow it relentlessly."
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Xuanchen (Michaela) Liu
PhD Candidate, School of Clinical Medicine
"Try more. Fear less. Discover what’s next."
Ye (Gloria) Zheng
PhD Candidate, School of Biomedical Sciences
"Pursue STEM dreams, persist through challenges, stay curious."
2026 Cohort - UNSW Science
Dr Abby Khazaal
Project Officer, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"Science starts with curiosity, not certainty."
Anthony Tran
PhD Candidate, School of Chemistry
"Be curious be humble be brave and be successful scientist."
Asiyeh Kheradmand
PhD Candidate, School of Materials Science & Engineering
Ela Khosrowabadi
PhD Candidate, School of Psychology
"Follow your curiosity, even when the path isn't clear."
Geoffrey Lin
PhD Candidate, School of Materials Science & Engineering
"Curiosity saves the cat."
Dr Giulia Golini
Research Associate, School of Physics
"Anyone can grow into their own star."
Jessica Guerchon
PhD Candidate, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences
"The ocean is full of questions worth chasing."
Dr Jing Hu
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Chemistry
"Be curious and brave about the future."
Dr Jordan Gacutan
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Science
"Your best work sits where science understands people and place."
Julna Zhao
Teaching Support Admin Officer, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"So much to explore and so many opportunities—the future in STEMM is exciting."
Dr Kanwar Abhay Singh
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
Sabina Bhandari
PhD Candidate, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"Try to step outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to speak up with the people."
Dr Sam Owens
Postdoctorate Fellow, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"Science belongs to everyone."
Shifa Dhannani
Work Integrated Administration, Dean's Unit
"It's never too late. Follow your passion and embrace curiosity."
Tanya Patel
PhD Candidate, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences
"Never stop questioning things and learning more."
Yinglin Mu
PhD Candidate, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences
"Just start somewhere; start anywhere! You will find your place."
Ziggi Zikmann
PhD Candidate, School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"Find what fascinates you, then follow it relentlessly."
2025 Cohort - UNSW Engineering
Dr Anam Malik
Associate Lecturer, Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
"Everything starts with STEMM-Dream big and build bold."
Dr Daisy Chu
Associate Lecturer, School of Chemical Engineering
"STEMM is fun and easier than you think."
Dr Jieying Liang
Lecturer, School of Chemical Engineering
"Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop asking questions."
Dr Kang Lin
Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Chemical Engineering
"Make an impact and bring possibilities into reality."
Dr Shiva Abdoli
Senior Lecturer, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
Dr Yasemin Fadil
Associate Lecturer, Chemical Engineering
"STEMM empowers you to solve problems and shape the future."
Lucy Chen
Senior Technical Officer, Electrical Engineering
Annisa
PhD Candidate, Civil and Environmental Engineering
"Juggling a PhD, family, and STEMM dreams—it's all achievable."
Saba Ghorbani Barzegar
PhD Candidate, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
Kinza Mukhtar
PhD Candidate, Chemical Engineering
"Follow your passion, keep experimenting, and trust your unique perspective."
Laleh Abdollahzadeh
PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering
"Curiosity leads the way."
Moqaddaseh Afzali
PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering
"Ask questions, stay curious, and turn challenges into opportunities!."
Sumera Arshad
PhD Candidate, Renewable Energy Engineering
"Your curiosity is your superpower —dive into STEMM with passion."
2025 Cohort - UNSW Medicine and Health
Dr Annabel Matison
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing
"Science is for everyone who wants to explore, learn and create."
Dr Blessing Akombi-Inyang
Lecturer, Global Health
"Innovation starts with curiosity."
Dr Erandi Hewawasam
Research Fellow, Centre for Big Data Research in Health
Dr Rebecca Dang
Lecturer (Education Focussed), Optometry & Vision Science
Dr Sarah Alexandrou
Research Officer, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
"Don't be afraid to ask questions and try something new."
Dr Saranya Pounraj
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biomedical Sciences
"Science is your superpower."
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Dr Wulan Wulandari
Lecturer, The Kirby Institute
"Research can drive real health impact."
Alessandra Marcelo
PhD Candidate, The George Institute
"Doubt less, try more—you're capable of more than you think."
Andleeb Hanif
PhD Candidate, Gene Therapy
"Curiosity drives discovery. Explore, innovate, and shape the future."
Judy Nam
Clinical Optometrist and PhD Candidate, Optometry & Vision Science
"Your passion and ideas can shape the future of STEMM."
Sarah Williams
PhD Candidate, Epigenetic Biomarkers of Breast Cancer
"You belong in STEMM."
Kiera Batten
Senior Dietitian & PhD Candidate, Health Sciences
"Nerds are cool. Be your best nerd."
2025 Cohort - UNSW Science
Dr Alejandra Isaza Uribe
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Climate Change Research Centre
"Learning is a fulfilling, never ending process."
Dr Alice Petty
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Psychology
Dr Gülşah Kurt
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Psychology
"Science thrives on diversity."
Caitlin Williams
PhD Candidate, Material Science and Engineering
Huihui Li
PhD Candidate, Chemistry
"You have the power to innovate in STEMM."
Jahanvi Maheshwari
PhD Candidate, Physics
“ 'I am a scientist.' Repeat it until you believe it."
Jo Mayer
PhD Candidate, Chemistry
"Challenge norms, stay curious, and lead with purpose."
Saba Altaf
PhD Candidate, Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
"Curiosity fuels discovery."
Tingting Mei
PhD Candidate, Material Science and Engineering
"Follow your heart."
Xueying Wang
PhD Candidate, Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences
Cindy He
Postdoctoral Fellow, Materials Science and Engineering
Juli Wang
Research Associate, Biotech & Biomolecular Science
Listen to everyone. Question everything. STEMM will take care of you.
2024 Cohort
Dr Daisy Shu
Scientia Senior Lecturer, Optometry and Vision Science
"Be bold, be curious, and embrace STEMM!"
Read about Daisy's journey. opens in a new window
Elissa Price
PhD Candidate, Nutrition and Dietetics
"Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth."
Read about Elissa's journey.
Dr Kate Jackson
Senior Lecturer, Physics
"The future is yours to write, so why not be creative?"
Read about Kate's journey.
Nora Campbell
PhD Candidate, Ecology
"Anyone can be a scientist - discovery is driven by curiosity, passion and perseverance."
Read about Nora's journey.
Rehana Khan
PhD Candidate, Optometry and Vision Science
"Chase your dreams and embrace STEMM with passion."
Find out more about Rehana's journey.
Dr Shamim Aryampa
Research Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering
"Where there is a will, there is a way."
Read about about Shamim's journey.
Dr Shukla Poddar
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
"Curiosity ignites. Passion fuels. STEMM empowers."
Read about Shukla's journey.
Dr Zahra Rahimpour
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Electrical Engineering
"Dare to dream, innovate with courage, STEMM needs your voice."
Read about Zahra's journey.
Dr Imrana Kabir
Lecturer, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
"Plans can change; embrace challenges to discover your passion."
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Kayla Lord
PhD Candidate, Materials Science and Engineering
"Science is really fun, even when it isn't – join a community that embraces your curiosity."
Olivia Price
PhD Candidate, Epidemology
“Follow your curiosity”.
Dr Chamini Perera
Senior Lecturer, Clinical Medicine
'Every life story is a unique script, and you hold the pen!"
Asena Bingul
PhD Candidate, Behavioural Neuroscience
"Empower your curiosity, STEMM thrives with you."
Kardina Ayuningtyas
PhD Candidate, Aviation
"Think positively and take steps to create the future."
Dr Kristen Hunter
Lecturer in Statistics & Data Science, Maths and Statistics
"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength. – Maya Angelou"
Duong Dinh
PhD Candidate, Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science
"Believe in yourself, anything is possible."
Fitri Widhiastuti
Research Associate, Chemical Engineering
"Believe in your potential and write your own story in STEMM."
Dr Wendy Lee
Nexus Fellow and Lecturer, Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
"STEMM is calling—so amp up your confidence, resist the doubts, and engineer your own future!."
Dr Rachel Baffsky
Post-doctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute
“Study what you love, for life.”
Jun Liang
PhD Candidate, Material Science and Engineering
"Pursue your passions, for you are capable of achieving anything."
Mahnoor Anjum
PhD Candidate, Electrical and Communications Engineering
"STEMM evolves with diverse perspectives. Yours matters."
Do you want to find out more about the opportunities available to you in STEMM?