UNSW researchers become Superstars of STEM

Two UNSW Sydney early career researchers have been selected for a program that will get them ready to step into the media spotlight as STEM experts and role models.

Dr Jodie Pestana from UNSW Science and Dr Wendy Lee from UNSW Engineering have been named as Superstars of STEM in recognition of their scientific research and outreach.

The UNSW duo are part of a group of 60 new Superstars of STEM from across Australia announced by the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP. The researchers will undertake a two-year program to get them ready to step into the spotlight as STEM experts in the media, on stage and in schools.

Each year, the program selects 60 women and non-binary STEM professionals through a highly competitive process. It equips them with skills, confidence, connections, and experience to become prominent media experts in their fields.

Previous UNSW researchers who have participated in the Superstars of STEM program include Dr Bianca Capra, Dr Kalinda Griffiths, Dr Beena Ahmed and Dr Steph Gardner. UNSW Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, former Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador, is a long-time mentor within the Superstars of STEM. 

Dr Jodie Pestana 

Dr Jodie Pestana, a post doc in UNSW’s School of Psychology, is a behavioural neuroscientist studying women’s mental health.

“I am so excited to be part of the Superstars in STEM program! As scientists, I believe we have a responsibility to share our scientific knowledge with the public, particularly given that we are conducting research to benefit everyone,” Dr Pestana said.

Dr Pestana’s research focuses on how experiences that are specific to females, such as hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, influence the brain’s ability to regulate mental health and respond to treatments. 

Her goal is to create more evidence-based and tailored treatments for women with mental health conditions across their lifespan. She says the Superstars of STEM program will help her explain her research to the public. 

“I'm looking forward to helping close the gender gap in STEM as part of the program and throughout my career.  We need to improve gender biases in STEM so that more diverse minds are collaborating and answering our important questions. 

“By engaging with the public and media, my goal is to enhance female representation in STEM and encourage other women and young girls to pursue STEM so that they can answer the burning questions that interest them.”

UNSW Dean of Science Professor Sven Rogge congratulated Dr Pestana on being named one of the country’s newest Superstars of STEM.

“Jodie's exceptional communication skills shone in 2021 when she won UNSW's Three Minute Thesis competition with her presentation on the lifelong effects of pregnancy on the brain,” Prof. Rogge said.

“We're incredibly proud that she has been chosen for this amazing opportunity, where she is sure to excel. As a Superstar of STEM, Jodie will be an inspiring role model, showing girls that STEM is a field for them too.”

Dr Wendy Lee

Dr Wendy Lee from UNSW’s School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications said she was thrilled and honoured to be selected for the program.

“Engineering shapes the world we live in, from the devices in our hands to the infrastructure that connects us,” Dr Lee said. “But for these innovations to have a lasting impact, we need to communicate their value to the wider community and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

“I am passionate about increasing the representation of women in STEM and look forward to using this platform to elevate the visibility of women engineers in the media and workplaces. My goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for future generations of scientists and engineers.”

Dr Lee uses innovative and creative approaches for teaching engineering. Her research focuses on two main areas: engineering pedagogy and exploring terahertz technologies, which have uses in sensing, imaging, and communications.

As a dedicated science communicator, she actively engages in outreach programs such as Girls in STEMM to inspire young minds to pursue careers in STEM and engineering.

UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps congratulated Dr Lee on being named one of the country’s newest Superstars of STEM.

“Wendy has already demonstrated her passion for being a STEM champion through her enthusiastic involvement in the UNSW STEMM Champions Program. The program provides UNSW researchers with the skills, confidence and networks to support them becoming advocates in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM),” Prof. Epps said.

"I look forward to seeing Wendy appear in the media as a Superstar of STEM talking about the fantastic work she’s doing, inspiring the next generation of young engineers.”

Superstars of STEM is a program run by Science and Technology Australia, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Over two years, participants receive communication training, mentoring, and opportunities to appear in media, on stage, and on screen.