Workshops - 18 March 2022
Wearable and Nearable Electronics to Sense the World Around Us and Within Us
Available in Session 1
This presentation will focus on stretchable and wearable electronics which represents a new wave in devices which can bend, flex, and stretch. Overcoming the challenges of integrating high-temperature-processed oxide thin films and polymer materials creates new opportunities in highly functional wearable sensors.
We realise thin electronic patches that adhere to the skin that can mimic body functionality, measure and diagnose, monitoring environment around, on, and within us. Industry-partnered case studies for aged-care monitoring and early intervention for diseases with biomarker sensing are presented.
Presented By:
Madhu Bhaskaran
Professor of Electronics Engineering, RMIT University
Madhu Bhaskaran co-leads a team where they constantly try and bring science fiction to reality. She has won numerous awards for her research including medals from Australia's leading academies and was also named among Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers by Engineers Australia. As an electronics engineer and innovator, her focus has been on creating and translating the next generation of electronic devices - as thin as a band-aid and conformal on the skin.
Co-presenting with:
How Much Sun Do You Need?
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Australia has been referred to as the skin cancer capital due to its high skin cancer rate. More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by the over-exposure of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sunlight. However, UV is invisible and not related to temperature either. So we can not see or feel UV. Then how do we know when UV is damaging our skin? Can we make the invisible UV visible?
Wenyue Zou
Research Fellow, RMIT University
Dr. Wenyue Zou is a research fellow at School of Science, RMIT University. She is passionate about using science and engineering knowledge to solve real-world challenges. She has developed a wearable ultraviolet (UV) sensor technology to help people manage their sun exposure. She has won several awards for her research, including the recognition of the top 10 innovators under 35 in the Asia-Pacific region by MIT technology review, and was also named among Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers by Engineers Australia. She is one of the superstars of STEM and working to smash the prototypes about scientists. Wenyue is also a sunscreen lover and an enthusiastic advocate of sun protection.
STEM Arcade Workshop
Available in Session 2
Looking for a way to make coding make fun and engaging. During this workshop, you will learn the how to do block coding, how to investigate game mechanics for optimum game play, and create a cohesive narrative. You will get to create your own game in MakeCode Arcade.
Presented By:
Emma Arnold & Jen Squire
STEM Communication Officers, Banyule Nillumbik Tech School
Jen and Emma are STEM Communication Officers at Banyule Nillumbik Tech School with a background in Chemistry and Science Communication. They have a passion for sewing and new developments in wearable technology.
The Less I Code, the Better! No-Code Is Where Automation Meets Expertise
Available in Session 3
Sid: While there's always a space for coders, no-code is the way forward for organisations that want to make sure everyone is able to build great things. In the legal sector, no-code platforms like Josef are empowering professionals with subject matter expertise to build automation tools themselves. Here's why even if you can't code, you can build amazing things using platforms like Josef.
Ali: Careers in technology are growing quickly, and they're no longer just for developers. There is opportunity to jump into a career in technology from virtually any sector or industry. From science to business, and even to law, opportunities in technology are everywhere. Learn how a career in technology allows you to be creative, thoughtful and impactful in your work, and how the industry is creating opportunities for everyone, in particular for women.
Presented By:
Sid Nair
Business Development Representative, Josef
Sid is a Juris Doctor graduate who has worked in both the legal industry and the tech sector. At Josef, he's working to bring tech-based solutions to lawyers, as the industry rapidly evolves and shifts to become technology centric.
Ali Cook
Legal Technologist, Josef
Ali is a Juris Doctor graduate with a previous Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She has worked across the financial services, payments and technology sectors. At Josef, she's focused on helping lawyers use technology to improve the delivery of legal services through great legal design and thoughtful workflow automation.
Using Design Thinking to Address VCAA General Skills and Capabilities
Available in Sessions 1 & 2
At Whittlesea Tech School, we use design thinking to as an inquiry framework to teach 21st century skills and capabilities to students. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to design thinking via a fun design sprint activity, as well as unpacking how it can be used to address the VCAA general skills and capabilities. Participants will have an opportunity to see our assessment rubrics as well as seeing some of work we are piloting with our partner schools in addressing the general skills and capabilities.
Presented By:
Shang Wang
Founder of Tinker Steps & STEM educator at Whittlesea Tech School
Shang is the STEM educator at Whittlesea Tech School who's main job is to design student programs based on design thinking. He also works closely with teachers from our 14 partner school network assisting schools, such as delivering teacher professional learning needs. He is also the founder of Tinker Steps (www.tinkersteps.com.au), a business he created using Design Thinking to address the 3D printing challenges teachers face in schools.
Launching Student Projects to Space!
Available in Sessions 1, 2 & 3
The Swinburne Youth Innovation Challenge (SYSIC) was developed to give senior school students a first-hand taste of the growing Australian Space Industry. Through the 11-week program students complete a dedicated Space Applications micro-unit consisting of lectures, tutorials and mentor meetings.
Once the students have completed the course content they work on coming up with their very own experiment idea for space and work again with mentors to learn how to present and pitch their ideas. All teams compete in a pitch style competition to win a leadership role in the year's space experiment! Regardless of place, all students will have a role to play in sending an experiment to the ISS!
Presented By:
Dr. Sara Webb
Postdoctoral Fellow, Swinburne University
Dr. Sara Webb recently completed her PhD in astrophysics at Swinburne University of Technology and is currently a postdoctoral researcher within the Centre. Her research has focused on the use of large amounts of optical data for the exploration of astronomical transient events. Specifically, she has implemented novel machine learning techniques to uncover the most unpredictable stellar changes in the galaxy. Her work on flare stars has helped build up a previously under-explored type of stellar flares. Her current research focuses on both machine learning for decision support in teams and microgravity experimentation on the ISS.
As one of the coordinators for the SHINE and Swinburne Youth Innovation Challenge (SYSIC) we work to provide a taste of space industry research to high school students, providing them the chance to send experiments to space! In-between research she is a keen science communicator and passionate about sharing astronomy and science nationwide and internationally.
Preparing Students for the Future of Food and Agriculture
Available in Session 2
Agriculture is Australia’s fastest growing sector, offering massive economic and career opportunities for young people through innovation and technology.
Presented By:
Geert Hendrix
CEO and Managing Director, Farmwall
Farmwall is an innovative social enterprise utilising agrifood and education technology to scale the impact of growing food in the city. We design sustainable products, technologies and experiences that spark meaningful interactions with our food and that benefit people and the environment. By turning the experience of growing food into a rewarding endeavour we increase physical and mental wellbeing, while keeping things simple, natural and fun.
Throw Out the Business Plan! The 60 Second Business Model
Available in Session 1 & 2
Come along to this interactive workshop and learn one of the most powerful tools in entrepreneurship: the Business Model Canvas. It will transform the way you look at an existing business or a business you want to launch. We will learn how to summarise complex business models from Nike to Netflix in 60 seconds! This workshop is great for students and teachers.
Presented By:
Aisha Dani
Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Banyule-Nillumbik and Whittlesea Tech Schools
Aisha is the Entrepreneurship Program Manager at both Tech Schools. She is responsible for the design and delivery of the Student Startup entrepreneurship intensives to start or grow businesses. The Student Startup is offered for free across Victoria to all government high school students in years 8-12. She is a graduate in engineering/science, has experience in launching and growing businesses and currently specialises in entrepreneurship education. She is also a co-founder of the award-winning Sistrv8, the only business pre-accelerator and incubator for Muslim women in Australia.
Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and NFT's - The Future of Digital Assets
Available in Session 1
Forget mowing lawns and having a part time job. Gen Z kids are finding other ways to make money this summer, through NFT's. In this presentation we will go through a crash course on Blockchain, cryptocurrency and Non Fungible Tokens (NFT's) and ask ourselves why is a cartoon picture of a bored ape selling for $247,000?
Presented By:
Rishi Kher
Chief Financial Officer, Digital Metal Exchange
The Digital Metal Exchange (DMX) is an institutional grade metals exchange and asset monetisation platform that makes use of advanced technology including blockchain to deliver a best of breed trading environment and novel assets for trading.
MATLDA: Sustainable Teaching and Learning Program using Intelligent Humanoid Robots
Available in Sessions 2 & 3
MATLDA is a humanoid robot deployed in sectors like disability, health care, Robotic process automation and education Sustainable Teaching & Learning Program aims to enhance students' interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology; strengthen their ability to integrate knowledge and skills; nurture their creativity, curiosity and problem solving skills using MATLDA tools like Robot Blocks and Workflow Automation.
These tools will empower students to become social innovators and solve real world business problems facing the Australian industry in the coming 3 to 6 years. This workshop teaches you code with Robot Blocks before progressing to programming languages like JavaScript and Python which are the most common programming languages.
Presented By:
Prof. Rajiv Khosla
Managing Director, Human Centred Innovations Pty. Ltd.
Rajiv is an Educator, Researcher and a Social Entrepreneur who aims to contribute to communities and societies through social and service innovation using sustainable cutting edge technologies like social robots.
He has designed and taught industry sponsored postgraduate academic programs in Business and Computer Science for the last 22 years and has successfully worked on and deployed more than 30 industry and government funded research projects nationally and internationally. He successfully established and ran the externally funded Research Centre and lab for 16 years and has authored four books and more than 180 research papers .
His latest commercial venture is Human Centred innovations Pty. Ltd (http://www.hc-inv.com ) which brings social innovation and service innovation using cute social robots to sectors like autism and intellectual disability, aged care and human resource management.
Dr. Khanh Nguyen
Lead Machine Learning Engineer and Architect, Human Centred Innovations Pty. Ltd.
Khanh has worked in machine learning through different roles: research scientist, software engineer, ML engineer and architect. He has advanced experience in robotics: 10-year experience in researching, engineering, developing and deploying complex AI/ML systems for humanoid robots.
He has lead and built several end-to-end commercial machine learning products/systems (NLP solutions, conversational systems & chatbots, emotional intelligence systems, face recognition, sentiment analysis, recommender system, human behaviour analysis, etc.).
Haste to Zero Waste - Plan For the Planet
Available in Session 1
Students are involved with the Plan for the Planet initiative in which they use the UN Sustainable Goals to develop programmes within the local area. The group will discuss the Plan for the Planet programme and their current initative.
Presented By:
Jane Wenlock
Educational Support Co-ordinator, Kolbe Catholic College
Kolbe Catholic College is a 7 - 12 school that caters for students in the Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park and Greenvale area.
Kolbe Catholic College students participating in this presentation are Riley Norrey, Alexander Grech, Grace Elisha, Caleb Katigbak. Viewbank College students participating in this presentation are Tarnie Jones and Manishka Bopitiya.
Living the Digital Revolution
Available in Session 1
We are currently living through the Digital Revolution - the most profound change in human civilisations since the first Industrial Revolution was driven by the introduction of steam engines. In this presentation, Dr Dods will look at the skills valued in times of change, share her career history leading into data science and AI, and touch on some of the current research on ways that AI learns and what that might mean in future.
Presented By:
Dr. Sarah Dods
Deep-tech Innovation Maven
Dr Sarah Dods is a technologist, maven, and an entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial leader. She has built her career at the cutting edge of new technologies, with a deep passion for realising economic and social outcomes from technology advances; bridging the gap between invention, market opportunities, and implementable solutions to create value that makes a difference. She is a fan of life-long learning, a driver of diversity, and an incurable optimist.
By background, Dr Dods is a PhD qualified Physicist/Electrical Engineer with 20+ years of STEM-focussed roles. Her career spans Australia’s “deep-tech” innovation system, and includes a stint in academia solving problems in the NBN before it existed, leading to co-founding a Silicon Valley spin-out. She has led CSIRO research programs focussed on Digital Health and the Digital Economy, and was responsible for implementing CSIRO’s entrepreneurship and innovation program. Her corporate experience includes leadership roles with Telstra Health, Australia Post and AGL.
Through the breadth of her experience, Dr Dods has developed outstanding skills in leading through high levels of uncertainty in the early stages of technical initiatives, untangling complexity and building high performing, diverse, expert teams, bridging the different perspectives and values between scientific rigour and commercial imperatives.
Dr Dods qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics and a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, both from the University of Melbourne. She has three patents and 70 refereed publications to her name, is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and sits on the Australian National Committee to the IEC with Standards Australia. Her spare time is enthusiastically devoted to her somewhat over the top Christmas lighting display, which has grown into a full year pursuit.
Understanding What Makes Life at a Molecular Level Through Art
Available in Session 2
We are all excited about the outer space-planets, stars and galaxies. But what about the inner space, one which is occupied by atoms and molecules. What do molecules that make life on this planet from viruses to humans look like, and why is it important to know their shape? This presentation is about the #PDBArt project, a collaborative project that brings an understanding about protein molecules by combining art and science.
Presented By:
Onisha Patel
Senior Scientist, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Dr Onisha Patel is a structural biologist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. She uses cutting-edge imaging technologies, including the Australian Synchrotron facility, to capture the inner beauty of molecules that make up life at a nanoscale. Onisha's work uncovers the structure of proteins and contributes to a greater understanding of how they work. This knowledge helps scientists develop more targeted treatments.
Onisha's love for science began in art. It was art that taught her how to observe, experiment and be curious about the surroundings. She believes there's room for people with a variety of passions to thrive in science. She now combines her passions by creating art that illustrates her science and communicating this through art exhibitions and collaborating with schools.
Over the last two years she has brought the #PDBArt project in Australia in collaboration with the Protein Databank Europe and Viewbank College. You can follow her @dr_opatel on Instagram.
Lisa White
Art / Visual Arts Teacher, Viewbank College
I come from a background in visual arts and community arts and am a passionate Studio Arts and Art and Design educator. I particularly love inquiry learning in the Arts and the PDBArt was a perfect way to integrate Art and Science curriculum. During my experiences with the PDBArt project, I have loved collaborating with the Protein Data Bank in Europe and a local Melbourne based scientist. Because I am I always keen to learn with my students this project was a perfect way for us all to get excited about Science and Art
Genes and Nanomaterials
Available in Session 2
Gene therapy is very promising for a wide range of diseases. However, delivering the genes to our cells and tissues is the key challenge. Traditionally, modified viruses have been used to carry out gene delivery. I will talk about how nanomaterials can be an alternative to viruses for gene therapy - reducing the reliance on viruses considerably!
Presented By:
Dr. Arpita Poddar
Research Fellow, Monash University
Arpita is an interdisciplinary scientist at the intersection of chemistry, biology and cancer research. She works on using nanomaterials as an alternative to viruses for gene therapy - reducing the reliance on viruses considerably! Currently, she is researching the impact of light on nanoparticles for biological applications.
SMART - Ideas / Activities / Challenges
Available in Sessions 1 & 3
In this hands-on and interactive 45-min workshop, teachers and students (working in teams) will get a sneak-peek into the world of Design Thinking, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking and more! Learn about the MAGIC Thinking, Working Together-Alone and other such crazy ideas!
Presented By:
Sid Verma
Founder, BrainSTEM
The BrainSTEM mission is to help raise the next generation of STEM leaders, changemakers, innovators--instilling a belief to become whatever they want to become. We engage them and inspire them to help understand and solve problems that matter to them. Consequently, helping them find their voice. BrainSTEM runs mentoring programs in STEM and Design Thinking. Focussing on developing skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, it aims to raise interest in STEM to pursue tertiary education and career.
BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge, the STEM Mentoring Program for students in Year 9-10, matches student teams with a STEM mentor for a period of 12-weeks. Developing and building their skills in STEM, research, problem solving and critical thinking, students learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and solve some real community challenges.
Droning On
Available in Sessions 1 & 2
Have you ever wanted to fly a drone? Or learn how drones can be used safely in the classroom? Drones can be used as powerful data collection and mapping tools and as an entry point to the interdisciplinary world of spatial data science and geospatial science. During this workshop, you will learn about industrial applications of drone technology, drone flying regulations, how to evaluate and implement flight safety processes. You will get a taste for drone flying with our Tello mini drones, that are ideal for beginners looking to learn how to fly.
Presented By:
Ian Hocking
Learning Technologist, Banyule Nillumbik Tech School
Ian is a Learning Technologist at Banyule Nillumbik Tech School with a background in secondary education and vocational training. He has a passion for advanced manufacturing and new and emerging technologies.
Data Mining, Coding and Modelling: Futureproof the Environmental Sector
Available in Session 1
From data acquisition (automated sensors, drones, 3D scans), to mapping and analysis (GIS, databases, Power BI), modelling (AI, coding, cloud computing), the environmental industry has witnessed significant changes in the way we perform our work.
This presentation goes through the tools available and some examples in use in the industry. It also describes the type of profiles, skillset, and training required to support the development and application of these new technologies.
Presented By:
Keith Lewis & Anamaria Ardila
Industrial Engineer, Valenza Engineering
Valenza Engineering is a specialist groundwater engineering company providing technical solutions in the fields of groundwater engineering and environmental hydrogeology. We service the Mineral Resources, Construction & Infrastructure, Environmental Impact assessment and Urban & Rural Water Supply sectors and focus on data collection, analysis and modelling.
Community STEAM at Footscray High
Available in Session 3
Footscray High School has recently implemented a new student-led project-based program called Community STEAM. Built on the principles of inclusivity, student agency and collaboration, this program allows students to work on real problems in their school and community with the goal of developing the skills and capabilities required to navigate the complex and rapidly changing workplaces of the future.
Presented By:
Karen Drought
Leading Teacher - STEAM, Footscray High School
The overarching goal of the Footscray High School STEAM program is to equip students with skills that will help them thrive in the rapidly changing workplaces of the future. Our programs are designed to develop students’ ability to thrive when there is uncertainty, with skills such as problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, creativity, personal and social skills, decision making and collaboration at the heart of every program.
Co-presenting with Simon Taylor (Victoria University) and Alice Nguyen (Footscray High School Student).
Escape Rooms for Engaging Students in Learning
Available in Session 3
Escape rooms have been around for a little over a decade and have taken the world by storm, a fun, engaging and teamwork inspired activity which is under time pressure. Well why not take it into the classroom. Robert will demonstrate some educational escape-rooms he has pioneered within engineering along with some open source hardware which enables anyone to create their own escape room experience to boost student engagement and teamwork skills.
Presented By:
Dr. Robert Ross
Associate Professor of Electronics and Robotics Engineering, La Trobe University
Robert's research is related to robotics, sensors and mechatronics. His PhD involved autonomous imaging of car undercarriages using a catadioptric imaging system mounted on a mobile robot platform. He has also been researching in novel optical flow algorithms used in robot localisation along with mobile robot drain inspection techniques, agricultural robotic applications and applications of machine vision. Additionally Robert has been involved in the development of low-power embedded systems and sensory packages used for environmental and application specific monitoring. Robert was the design engineer behind the WomBot robot (which recently went viral with over 5M views. Wombot was built to explore wombat burrows and understand mange disease dynamics.
Robert has also been a guest presenter at CONASTA, STAVCON, LABTECH, DATTAVic and other STEM based conferences. Robert designed some of the key STEM outreach programs used within the Engineering Department including LaserTag, LaserBot and BristleBot.
Science Gallery Melbourne: Peer-to-Peer STEAM Learning and Wearable Tech Workshops for Mental Wellbeing
Available in Sessions 1 and 2
In this workshop you will be introduced to the new Science Gallery Melbourne an innovative new space for young people aged 15 – 25, and be introduced to our peer-to-peer model of developing and delivering innovative and exhibition linked tours and workshops.
Science Gallery’s inaugural exhibition MENTAL explores perspectives in mental health and ways of being and questions what it is to be human using science, technology and creativity. In this session you will get a hands on introduction to our MENTAL: Wearable Tech workshop to design and prototype a wearable tech that connects people, enables empathy, and provides emotional and mental health support for communities.
Presented By:
Claire Farrugia
Learning and Outreach Manager, Science Gallery Melbourne
Science Gallery Melbourne explores the collision of art and science, playing a vital role in shifting our understanding, and demonstrating STEAM in action. It is part of the acclaimed Global Science Gallery Network bringing it's innovative model of engaging 15-25 year olds with science to Melbourne. The inaugural Science Gallery exhibition is on the theme of MENTAL, a place to explore, empathise and question what it means to be human using science, technology and creativity, and is currently open to the public and to schools for exhibition visits, tours and workshops.
Claire Farrugia is the Learning and Outreach Manager for the Science Gallery Melbourne and will be presenting the workshop alongside Science Gallery Learning Experience Facilitators who are University STEM students trained in education, facilitation and science communication.
Personalised Healthcare with 3D Printing
Available in Sessions 1, 2 & 3
3D printing is an exciting new technology that enables design freedom and mass personalisation. Australia has been leading the way in medical 3D printing, from the world’s first 3D printed rib cage to using 3D printing to assist with pre-operative planning. This is a joint presentation between Alex Kingsbury from RMIT University and previously of CSIRO, and Andrew Vyas from Anatomics. Both Alex and Andrew have been personally involved in many breakthrough 3D printing projects, and are at the forefront of 3D printing technology and software.
Presented By:
Alex Kingsbury
Additive Manufacturing Industry Fellow & Engagement Lead, RMIT University
Alex Kingsbury is an Industry Fellow at RMIT University. Alex did her Bachelor of Engineering at RMIT, and has worked in the field of 3D printing for over ten years. Alex's current role is based at the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct (AMP) at RMIT University. The AMP has nearly every type of 3D printer you could imagine. Everyone from high school students, industry professionals, PhD students, professors, international scientists, and government officials visit the AMP to learn more about 3D printing, conduct experiments, and share knowledge and information.
Andrew Vyas
Vice President Software Engineering, AnatomicsRx Pty Ltd
Andrew has a wide software development and management experience spanning over various platforms and technologies, being present throughout life cycles of multiple projects. Andrew heads the software network at AnatomicsRx and facilitates the growth of new technology along with novel products.
Anatomics is a Melbourne-based and Australian-owned medical device company that has been manufacturing and marketing surgical products to surgeons locally and internationally since 1995. Anatomics pioneered CT scan derived surgical implant technology and was first to market with an innovative, quality product that assisted surgeons to produce better surgical outcomes and save valuable operating theatre time.
The 'Do Your :Bit' Challenge Featuring the BBC micro:bit
Available in Session 3
The Micro:bit is a cheap pocket-sized computer that introduces students to working with electronics and programming. The kit is packed with sensing and display modules which opens up ample opportunities for you and your students to develop creative solutions for real-world problems. The workshop is designed to familiarize you with the Micro:bit capabilities and upskill you on working with it. Through the workshop, we prepare you to participate in ‘Do Your Bit’ challenges which is all about solving global challenges our community and the world is facing.
Presented By:
Dr Mukesh Soni & Pathik Shah
Paktronics
Pakronics® is an online electronic store based in Melbourne and a one-stop solution to all your DIY projects. We offer a variety of electronic components, sensors, microcontroller platforms and kits for makers, inventors and students of all ages. Apart from being an online reseller, Pakronics is also an education partner for Australian schools. We are a team of passionate electronics engineers who can lend their expertise to help and support your STEM education needs. We offer workshops for educators and students. These workshops help you jump-start working with educational kits and taking it to your classrooms. The brainstorming session in the workshop unleashes the inventor/maker in you and your students.
Pakronics® promotes the use quality Open-source hardware and genuine products.