Student Workshops - 24 May 2024
Journey to 3D Printing in Fashion
Available in Sessions
1
Room:
For
Students
J05
Kae Woei Lim is founder of XYZWorkshop, a Melbourne based 3D Design Studio started back in 2013. An architect by training, Kae Woei shares his experience of how his interest in 3D Printing went from a hobby, to being featured on a world stage. His most well known design became one of the first wearable 3D Printed fashion made on a desktop 3d printer.
Presented By:
Kae Woei Lim
Imaginables
Kae Woei Lim is Creative Director of Imaginables, a long time sales partner of Ultimaker 3D printers who have been providing sales and technical support to schools and universities across Australia. Their key aim is to unlock the potential of 3D printing in the classroom
goIT Digital Innovation Program
Available in Sessions
2
Room:
For
Students
J12
goIT Digital Innovation Program is a fun, flexible and free initiative to introduce students from years 5 - 10 to the world of STEM. Through the program, students are familiarised to the field of STEM, the design thinking process, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students are then tasked with brainstorming, designing and ultimately, have the option to build a mobile app to solve these real-world problems based on the SDGs and present their solution. The program aims to build STEM and Computer Science Skills for participants. It will have great benefit by gaining new skills, understanding and experience with STEM and IT concepts.
Presented By:
Binaisha Daruwalla
Tata Consultancy Services
Binaisha has been engaged with TCS for over 18 years. In October 2017, she took on the role of Head, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for TCS ANZ. The goIT initiatives within TCS and the community are led by her. Prior to this, she was an integral member of the Asia Pacific Marketing team since 2014, with a key focus on Australia. Throughout her time at TCS, she has been involved in different profiles at TCS Corporate and the Asia Pacific Geography. Through her time at TCS, she has worked on multiple global events and brand campaigns. She holds is a post-graduate diploma in Business Management with a specialization in Advertising & Marketing from Wigan & Leigh College, UK; and, also holds a B.A in English Literature from Mumbai University. Binaisha lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter. When not working, she enjoys making desserts, reading and the outdoors
Innovation: Think BIG / Start SMALL
Available in Sessions
1 & 4
Room:
For
Students
G01
Using the Design Thinking methodology, this design sprint will take you through the process of Thinking BIG. Using brainstorming, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, you will start SMALL and come up with IMPACTFUL solutions.
Presented By:
Sid Verma
BrainSTEM
Sid is the Founder of BrainSTEM, an organisation committed to addressing the lack of diversity and equity in STEM. A business leader, entrepreneur, mentor and coach, Sid has designed and delivered numerous workshops and STEM mentoring programs for high school students and teachers. Obsessed problem solver, he is always looking at new ways to solve tricky challenges. You should also ask him about his Lego obsession.
STEAM in the real world
Available in Sessions
1, 3 & 4
Room:
For
Students
G07 & G08
RMIT University's Women in STEM team run outreach programs with primary and secondary schools across Victoria to encourage students to engage in STEM. Today we are presenting two of our workshops which link STEM to the real world!
The VR Refrigeration workshop explores refrigeration principles in real-life by giving students a look inside the fridge/freezer systems of a Woolworths store through virtual reality (VR).
In the Crash Car workshop students will investigate the suitability of different materials in crumple zones and use that information to design, build and test a bumper to see which reduced the force of a collision the most.
Presented By:
Tara Graves
RMIT Women in STEM
Science outreach has always been an important aspect of Tara’s life. She has a background in Environmental Chemistry and has a Master of Science Communication at ANU, where she spent time presenting fun and wacky science shows to kids all over Australia with Questacon. Since then, Tara has been working at RMIT University in their Women in STEM Outreach team. She runs multi-touch STEM outreach programs with primary and secondary schools in Victoria. Tara also works with university outreach professionals across Australia to encourage school-aged female and non-binary students to take an interest in STEM and promote inclusive spaces with the STEM world.
Control freak! Why understanding how proteins work is the key to understanding life.
Available in Sessions
3
Room:
For
Students
G02
In the intricate dance of life, proteins take centre stage as the ultimate control freaks. From orchestrating cellular processes to regulating gene expression, proteins wield unparalleled influence over every aspect of biological function.
Join me as I share my journey of unravelling their mysteries and discovering the control freak within. From the early stages of fascination to the deep-rooted passion for understanding, join me in exploring the parallels between the intricate dance of proteins and the control-seeking tendencies within ourselves.
Presented By:
Lakshmi Wijeyewickrema
La Trobe University
Dr. Lakshmi Wijeyewickrema's journey in biochemistry began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Greenwich, London, U.K in 1995. After relocating to Melbourne, she embarked on a Ph.D. program at Monash University in 2003. Fascinated by the interplay of snake venom and human blood, her doctoral research culminated in the award of her doctorate degree in 2007, igniting a passion for blood biochemistry that has spanned over 14 years.
Currently a Senior Lecturer and Laboratory Head at La Trobe University, Dr. Wijeyewickrema's research centres on the intricate proteins within blood. But what makes the proteins in blood so captivating? They are the silent guardians of our health, orchestrating a delicate balance between protection and potential harm. Moreover, the complexity of these proteins mirrors the intricate web of life itself. Each protein has its own unique structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms, yet they collaborate seamlessly to maintain the harmony of our biological systems. Understanding the intricacies of these proteins not only unlocks the mysteries of our physiology but also unveils potential strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
As a staunch advocate for women in science and diversity in the scientific community and with a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity, she endeavours to create environments where individuals of all genders and backgrounds have equal opportunities to excel. Within her workplace, Dr. Wijeyewickrema champions #girlpower initiatives and prioritises diversity, acknowledging the enriching contributions that diverse perspectives offer to scientific innovation, firmly believing that a diverse scientific community is not only more representative but also more innovative and impactful.
Beyond the lab, she embraces an active lifestyle, often found in lululemon gear, immersed in activities like squash, cycling, or pilates reformer classes. Passionate about movement, she encourages others to join her in living a vibrant, energetic life.
RMIT ROVER: Development of a Rover
Available in Sessions
4
Room:
For
Students
Milpara
Explore the thrilling world of student-driven engineering projects, from the drawing board to the rugged terrain of competition fields. Learn how the team operates and develops a rover from scratch in a year. Witness the culmination of our hard work with a live demo of our rover navigating obstacles and performing tasks.
Presented By:
RMIT Rover Team
RMIT Rover Team
The RMIT Rover Team is a collaborative multidisciplinary team of innovative students on a mission to build an autonomous rover for earth, space exploration and beyond. The team has just competed in the 2024 Australian rover challenges and is setting its sights on the international stage.
Science, Education and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Available in Sessions
3
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
G09
We will explore the many ways knowledge of science, physics, and astronomy are embedded in Indigenous Knowledges and passed down through oral tradition for use in educational curricula and programs.
Presented By:
Duane Hamacher
Astronomy (Indigeous )
Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. His work examines humanity's connection to the stars in terms of science, history, culture, and society, with a focus on Australian Indigenous Astronomy.
STEAMing Ahead in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Available in Sessions
1
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
G09
Hello, aspiring STEAM enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to guide you through the transformative world of reconstructive plastic surgery, a field where science and compassion converge to make profound changes in people’s lives. In our journey, we'll explore how this branch of medicine goes beyond appearances, focusing on restoring function, enhancing mobility, and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by injuries, congenital conditions, or diseases. We'll uncover the latest advancements in tissue engineering, prosthetics, and regenerative medicine. This is more than skin deep – it's an exploration of human resilience, innovation, and the art of possibility.
Presented By:
Nelson Low
Monash Children's Hospital
I am a reconstructive plastic surgeon and the Head of Paediatric Plastic Surgery at Monash Children’s Hospital. In addition to my clinical role, I also serve as an adjunct lecturer at Monash University, contributing to the education of future medical professionals. I am also currently leading the research arm in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Monash Health.
What are the futures of learning?
Available in Sessions
2
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
G11
In the ever-evolving landscape of innovative and transformative education, inter and pluriversal metho-pedagogies allow for collisions of disciplinary knowing, being and doing. This presentation proposes an innovative exploration for the futures of learning, emphasising an entanglement of art and science and its capacity to foster forward-looking strategies to enhance creativities, encourage collaboration through criticality, develop visual and digital literacies, and contribute to sustainable development through innovative problem-solving.
By fostering an innovative, collaborative, and creative learning and teaching ecosystem, we can create the conditions for young people to develop the skills necessary to address complex global challenges while learning to be in the world.
Presented By:
Kate Coleman
University of Melbourne
Dr Kathryn Coleman is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. Kate is interested in the intersection of art, digital spaces, youth, education, practice, and culture, and teaches this through art and design initial teacher education. Kate’s research into practice includes activism, creative practices, practices of identity, knowledge as practice and digital practices.
Inspiration Under the Microscope: Combining a Career in Art and Science
Available in Sessions
2
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
G02
Jamie Mumford talks about her careers as a scientist and artist and how they overlap and complement each other. She will explain how the microorganisms that she views through an electron microscope have inspired sculptures and a jewellery range. She also discusses how her artistic skills are useful in preparing and imaging viruses to communicate and promote scientific understanding of infectious diseases.
Presented By:
Jamie Mumford
Artist/Scientist at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Royal Melbourne Hospital
Jamie Mumford is a Melbourne-based artist and medical scientist at the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL). Jamie works in Electron Microscopy and Structural Virology, where she uses an electron microscope in the diagnosis and study of viruses, including novel and emerging pathogens. Jamie’s art practice is inspired by her work as a medical scientist. She makes sculptures and jewellery, creating abstract and organic pieces that evoke the biological forms she observes under the microscope. She is interested in exploring our relationship with microorganisms, bringing attention to their impact and often overlooked complexities.
Jamie’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) from Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
Robotics and AI at Monash Smart Manufacturing
Available in Sessions
1 & 2
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
J01
Introduction to Monash University Robotics and AI (20 min presentation - Keenan)
Robot Dog Demonstration (15 min demonstration - Keenan/Amy/Jag)
Biped Robot Interaction (15 min group interaction - Keenan/Amy/Jag)
Presented By:
Keenan Granland
Monash Uni
I'm Dr Keenan Granland, and I am a lab manager at Monash University. I run Monash Smart Manufacturing, a lab focused on robotics and AI. I also run a student team called Monash Automation.
Forward to the Future: Unveiling the Possibilities of STEAM in 2024 and Beyond
Available in Sessions
1
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
G11
In this engaging presentation, we will delve into proven strategies and techniques to unlock your creative potential and tackle challenges with fresh perspectives. From brainstorming to prototype development, you'll learn how to foster a creative mindset, generate innovative ideas, and transform them into tangible solutions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, this session promises to ignite your imagination and inspire you to unleash the power of creativity in every aspect of your life and work.
Presented By:
Sarvesh Soni
RMIT University and Australian Department of Health and Aged Care
Dr. Sarvesh Soni is a trained microbiologist and incorporates the principles and methodologies for creating impact from his research in multi-disciplinary fields such as bioresource management and technology, citizen science, diagnostics and nanotherapeutics. The overarching goal of his research in the 'sustainable mitigation of Public Health Risks', is achieved through engagement with individuals, communities, and public and private organisations. He is an experienced academician doing highly multidisciplinary research and is skilled in Research and Development (R&D), disruptive innovation, and technology entrepreneurship.
Dr Soni is currently working as Senior Policy Officer at the Health and Medical Research Office of Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. He is responsible for developing policy and managing various grants under several MRFF Initiatives (Medical Research Future Fund). Moreover, Dr. Soni is an Australian Science Policy Fellow (2021-2022) (an initiative by the Office of the Chief Scientist), founder-director for RMIT Technology and Entrepreneurship Network & Club and an Adjunct Principal Research Scientist at RMIT University, Melbourne.
Drone Piloting
Available in Sessions
1, 3 & 4
Room:
For
Students
GYM
Experience the thrill of piloting drones in our hands-on workshop.
Under expert guidance, students learn drone basics and enjoy fun flight challenges. With DJI Trello, students will seamlessly integrate technology into flight planning and through interactive activities, students will hone their skills and teamwork.
Presented By:
Banyule Nilumbik & Whittlesea tech school
Banyule Nilumbik & Whittlesea tech school
Banyule Nillumbik Tech School codevelops and codelivers STEAM based learning experiences and educational activities that help prepare local young people for dealing with the challenges of the future and equip them with skills and mindsets needed for the changing nature of work.
Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge
Available in Sessions
3
Room:
For
Students
J05
Our students today will have jobs in the future that don't even exist yet. Many of these jobs will require STEAM skills and likely revolve our use of technology and space. The Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge was created to allow high school students a hands-on experience learning about space technology and microgravity experimentation. Students learn from and work with experts in the field and get mentored by undergraduate and graduate students across a range of fields. We've had over 250 students complete the space challenge in just 3 short years and we're expanding our model to have the space challenge be a holiday and science week program, to allow access to as many students as possible.
Presented By:
Dr Sara Webb
Swinburne University of Technology
I use AI to explore the Universe and what might be beyond. As an astronomer who works with enormous amounts of data, I had to dive into AI to work effectively. These newly found AI skills have led me to a unique and rewarding research career focusing on anomaly detection and big data exploration. I share the wonders of astronomy, AI and space science on my socials, follow along to prepare for the future.
The last 100 years of astronomy has seen our knowledge of our own home galaxy, universe and even the thing’s that make-up us change in almost immeasurable ways. We simultaneously know more and less about the Universe we live in, and with new and exciting telescopes, we’ll soon have too much data to work with manually.
To prepare for the future of Astronomy, Dr. Sara Webb works with optical telescope data and machine learning to explore explosions in the universe and how astronomers find them. Sara focused on studying small, yet mighty, red dwarf stars and their flares. When a star flares, energy and matter are spewed out into the surrounding solar system, and Sara has worked to build up a large and unique population of these stars that flare in very short periods of time. In her broader research into investigating the use of AI in team situations, Sara is currently working on studying how astronomers work in their various cognitive states.
Aside from her academic research, Sara also coordinates and co-leads Swinburne’s unique student space challenge programs, sending student led experiments to the International Space Station. This Australian wide program gives students insight into a space science career.
Futureproofing the Environmental Sector with Digital Technologies
Available in Sessions
3
Room:
For
Students
G01
Join us for an insightful exploration into the intersection of environmental stewardship and digital innovation. In this presentation, we delve into the skills and technologies driving the future of the environmental sector. Discover how digital tools are revolutionising conservation efforts, sustainability practices, and resource management. Learn how to navigate the complexities of today's environmental challenges from an educational perspective, while leveraging the power of digital solutions to futureproof our planet.
Presented By:
Devmi Kurukulasuriya
Valenza Engineering
Devmi, a recipient of the IAH Early Career Award in hydrogeology (2022), is actively involved in conducting hydrogeological assessments, hydraulic testing, spatial data analysis, and routine groundwater sampling. Her commitment extends to monitoring activities and the timely generation of comprehensive and insightful reports. Also, as a geochemist, she provides specialized input in terms of water quality assessments, hydrogeochemical conceptualization of groundwater systems using environmental water tracer and geochemical modelling.
Anamaria Ardila
Valenza Engineering
Anamaria has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, and has also completed studies in Project Management, Leadership and Management, and research in statistics focused on control charts and process optimization thought simulation. Anamaria's main skills are project management, process design and improvement, quality assurance and control, data analysis, coding, statistics, finance, analytical thinking, and forecasting. Anamaria has worked as a research assistant in statistics, project development, supply chain management, and data analyst in financial credit risk.
Have a Ball with Natives = Seed Balls for the Future
Available in Sessions
1 & 3
Room:
For
Students & Teachers
J06
Ever wonder what ‘biodiversity’ is and why it’s so important? Let’s dive into these questions and discover how you can play a part in nature’s diversity. This interactive session is designed to engage in a lively discussion that builds knowledge while also providing an opportunity to get hands on crafting seed balls to bring back to your school or home!
We’ll also be exploring programs and resources to help biodiversity flourish at your school! Students and Teachers are welcome to attend!
Presented By:
Pia Wrafter
CERES
With a background in psychology and permaculture, Pia has a passion for sustainability and wellbeing, in particular, helping people discover the many joys of growing produce, and regenerating the earth. Pia has run a sustainable gardening business, and worked in schools to empower students to design and establish productive gardens and composting systems. Pia is currently based at CERES supporting schools to embed sustainability into their infrastructure, curriculum and culture, and in doing so, reduce their impact on the planet while also improving student wellbeing.
Isabella Shaw
CERES
Bella Shaw is a program coordinator and educator with CERES Student Programs, and runs the Restoring Earth’s Ecosystems program. She is a science communicator, archaeologist and artist who graduated with a Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science at the Australian National University. Bella has worked as a science educator at the National Dinosaur Museum and the National Zoo and Aquarium, where she particularly loved sharing in kids’ excitement for the natural world. When not at CERES, Bella is an enthusiastic citizen scientist and can be found somewhere in a bog surveying for frogs, or bush-bashing to find endangered Greater Gliders and assess bushfire management strategies in old growth forests.