Sydney STEM Teacher Festival Speakers

Professor Scott Sleap
The University of Sydney

Professor Scott Sleap is a driving force in Australian STEM education, championing equity and innovation in the classroom. With accolades like the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Secondary Teaching, Scott leads initiatives such as the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Industry School Partnerships Program and the NSW Virtual STEM Academy. As a Professor of Practice in STEM at the University of Sydney, he focuses on empowering educators with cutting-edge teaching strategies and building transformative industry partnerships that enhance student outcomes.

Plenary Speakers

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
The University of Sydney

Dr Catherine Ball
Scientific Futurist

A scientific futurist and thought leader, Dr Catherine Ball is celebrated for her work at the intersection of emerging technologies and humanitarian causes. From pioneering the use of drones in conservation to advising game-changing start-ups, Catherine demystifies emerging tech to inspire educators and students alike. Her global projects and engaging storytelling empower audiences to embrace technology as a force for good in education and beyond.

Professor Marjorie Valix
The University of Sydney

Marjorie is focused on advancing sustainable mining practices, with a particular emphasis on using microorganisms to recover metals from low-grade ores, mine tailings, and metal laden waste such as e-waste. She is also working on accelerating geosequestration in mine tailings for carbon capture and repurposing tailings into low-carbon concrete. Through these efforts, she aims to improve resource recovery, reduce environmental impacts, and support the transition to a net-zero economy by enhancing critical mineral supply chains.

Dr Jeremy Qiu
The University of Sydney

Dr Jeremy Qiu is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Sydney. Dr. Jeremy Qiu’s research interests focus on the planning of low-carbon energy systems, including the optimal allocation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage systems, electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging stations, as well as hydrogen technologies. Additionally, he is engaged in data analytics within electricity markets and Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in energy trading and pricing.

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Dr Elliot Varoy
The University of Sydney

Elliot Varoy is an Education Focused Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, specialising in large cohort, first-year computing education. Elliot is particularly interested in designing innovative educational tools, utilising emergent technologies like VR and AI to teach concepts both within and outside computing. He is also focused on the critical transition between secondary and tertiary education. Currently, he is part of a team implementing a new approach to first-year university teaching — designing diversified learning pathways that meet students at their level of understanding, instead of a rigid and exclusionary, predetermined track.

Dr Katherin Cartwright
University of Wollongong

Katherin Cartwright is a passionate mathematics educator and is currently Senior Lecturer Primary Education (Mathematics) at the University of Wollongong teaching pre-service teachers. Katherin is currently researching embodied learning approaches in mathematics and science for young children. From 2017 Katherin has been a member of the University of Sydney’s primary STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy. Katherin is currently the president of MANSW. Her teaching background is with primary-aged students, and she has a particular interest in researching mathematical approaches for primary teachers that will have a future impact on classroom practice.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Wildlife Scientist

Dr Vanessa Pirotta merges cutting-edge technology with conservation science, from using drones to collect whale snot to developing AI tools to combat wildlife trafficking. A passionate communicator, Vanessa has been recognised as one of Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM and the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Women of Influence. As the lead scientist for Wild Sydney Harbour, she connects communities with marine life while promoting the fusion of Indigenous knowledge and Western science.

Sophie Poisel
Head of the Lang Walker Family Academy
Powerhouse Museum

Sophie Poisel is the Head of the Lang Walker Family Academy at Powerhouse Parramatta, set to open in 2026. An award-winning innovative learning specialist, she has extensive experience in both the NSW Department of Education and independent schools. In her current role, Sophie has led the development of immersive STEM learning programs, including the Powerhouse: Future Space and 50°C: Climate Heat and Resilience. She is a passionate advocate for learning opportunities that promote student agency, skill development, connect students to world leading experts and foster a deep connection to the world around us.

Helen Silvester
Australian Academy of Science

Helen Silvester is a neuroscientist by training and an experienced science educator with a passion for fostering scientific understanding. With over twenty years of experience in education, she has taught science across a broad age range, from 3 to 18 years old. Helen is dedicated to science communication in all forms, including teaching, presenting, curriculum design, and textbook writing. She applies her extensive experience and current research to develop innovative curriculum resources for both students and educators. Helen currently holds the position of Learning Area Manager (Science) at the Australian Academy of Science and leads the development of Primary Connections and Science Connections resources.

Associate Professor Cameron Webb
The University of Sydney

Associate Professor Cameron Webb has spent over 25 years providing advice to local, state, and federal government agencies on how to best manage mosquitoes and their health threats. His focus is on keeping communities safe from mosquito-borne disease through research translation and cooperation with local health authorities. Cameron participates in research projects in collaboration with the University of Sydney and other research institutions around the country as well as coordinating mosquito control and surveillance programs in NSW. A keen science communicator, Cameron is regularly engaged by media to share tips and tricks for beating the bite of mosquitoes each summer. He also regularly provides articles for The Conversation, as well as engaging with the public through social media activity.

Associate Professor Helen Georgiou 
University of Wollongong 

Helen Georgiou is an Associate Professor in Science Education at the University of Wollongong. Her research spans various areas and uses a range of approaches, one being the conceptual framework known as Legitimation Code Theory. Currently, she is leading two major projects: one examining student writing in high school science and another exploring STEM learning in a Makerspace for teachers and preservice teachers.

Sham Nair
NSW Department of Education

Dr Sham Nair is Science Coordinator, 7-12, at the NSW Department of Education. Dr Nair’s career spans academia, scientific research and school teaching. His scientific research focused on the intersection between immunology and genomics in various organisms. He has taught undergraduate science courses and supervised postgraduate research students, and continues to teach pre-service science teachers in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. His professional interests are focused on advancing science education through innovative curriculum design (spanning Australia and the USA), impactful assessment strategies, and creating authentic classroom learning environments that foster deep thinking and reasoning.

Dr John Bartholomew
The University of Sydney

Dr John Bartholomew is a Senior Lecturer in Quantum Science at the University of Sydney and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. John is developing technologies to build the quantum internet, which will work alongside today’s internet technology to become the information backbone for the quantum age. He uses crystals containing the rare-earth element erbium (Er) to integrate photonics, electronics and solid-state qubits in a single quantum system.  John is an experimental scientist, leading the Quantum Integration Laboratory.

Megan Kelly
NSW Department of Education

Megan Kelly is the Executive Director of Curriculum at the NSW Department of Education. The NSW Curriculum Reform is a program to deliver a new curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 12 from 2024, the most comprehensive reform of the NSW school curriculum in 3 decades. The Reform is an ambitious opportunity to support teachers in NSW Public Schools to implement and teach the new curriculum and strengthen evidence based pedagogy and assessment practices. The Curriculum team Megan leads provides extensive implementation support to teachers, school and system leaders which includes professional learning, advice and resources

Professor Kelly Freebody
The University of Sydney

Kelly Freebody is a Professor and Head of the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney.  Kelly has held several leadership positions throughout her career, including Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Program Director of Secondary Education.  Kelly’s teaching and Research interests are in drama and creativity education, social justice, and school-community relationships.  

Gary Molloy
Catholic Schools NSW

Gary has had a dynamic career in the mining, papermaking, and chemical industries, including leading the commissioning of a paper machine after $66M total wet-end rebuild. Following a career break, he switched to education, teaching Science for over 15 years before transitioning to Catholic Schools NSW where he spent nearly six years working in education policy, specifically education measurement. An advocate for science education, Gary has held roles such as serving on university advisory boards and counsellor for the NSW Science Teachers Association. He is a graduate of the Australian Company Directors Course. 

John Phillips
SLAM Education

Before retiring in 2000, John was an engineer with extensive international telecommunications and HR systems experience. Following his retirement, he joined the Warren Centre and championed comprehensive STEM literacy before it became mainstream. As CEO of SLAM Education and Director of the AustSTEM Foundation, he is guiding the development of innovative resources to introduce engineering concepts to teachers and their students in the critical Middle School years.  

Dr Simon Crook
CrookED Science
University of Sydney

Dr Simon Crook is Director of CrookED Science, an award-winning STEM education consultancy, and Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney School of Physics. Simon works with primary and high schools around many aspects of STEM education including teacher PD and student STEM projects. Simon is a regular commentator on STEM education having written nearly 40 journal articles, and is a reviewer for 4 international STEM education academic journals.  

Dr Frederick Osman
The Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales

Dr Frederick Osman has over 30 years’ experience in education and management at the tertiary and secondary levels. He has managed and undertaken projects independently and cross functionally across the education, community, and industry sectors. Recognised as Fellow and President of the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales and Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales and Australian Institute of Physics for outstanding leadership in the tertiary and secondary education sectors.  

Dr Danica Solina
The University of Technology Sydney

Dr. Danica Solina is a physicist who returned to academia in 2017 in an education focused role after a decade hiatus. This opportunity gave her time to investigate optimum forms of delivery and assessment in the areas of mathematics and physics. This knowledge she has incorporated into her present role (since 2021) as Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney.  

Professor Miroslav D. Filipovic
Western Sydney University

Professor Miroslav D. Filipovic is a scientist, philosopher and philanthropist with over 30 years of experience in astronomy. Astronomy, science, philosophy and computing are his profession, hobby, interest and passion. Research in astronomy has been a source of fascination for him since the early 1980s. Since May 2002, Professor Filipovic has been affiliated with Western Sydney University (WSU), and has been responsible for the development of various programs at WSU. He is a fellow of the Astronomical Society of Australia, Australian Institute of Physics, a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, an editorial board member of the SAJ and a member of the International Astronomical Union.  

Professor Manjula Devi Sharma
The University of Sydney

As Director of the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy, Professor Manjula Sharma is devoted to empowering educators through collaboration and professional learning. Her work combines evidence-based practices and practical resources to enrich STEM teaching. A pioneer in engaging teachers to co-create classroom strategies, Manjula’s approach focuses on lasting change, equity, and innovation. Her passion for equipping teachers with tools to transform their practice ensures a cascade of positive outcomes for generations of students.