Please explain: What is La Nina and does it affect me?

Adjunct Fellow Andrew Gissing from the School of Natural Sciences explains the cause and effect of La Nina, the five-month long weather event that occurred in Australia earlier in 2022.

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World first: Study confirms mistaken identity may explain why sharks bite humans

Dr Laura Ryan from the School of Natural Sciences and Professor Nathan Hart from the Department of Biological Sciences have confirmed why great white sharks bite humans.

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You know you’re swimming in it: worst beaches for microplastics revealed

Dr Scott Wilson from the School of Natural Sciences reveals the worst Australian beaches for micro-plastics pollution.
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Tricks used by phone scammers exposed in new study

Professor Dali Kaafar and Dr Ian Wood from the School of Computing and the Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub identify the scripts and emotions that drive most scam calls.
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Light up your nightlife: Astronomy events still to come in 2022

Professor Orsola De Marco from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences shares the exciting upcoming astronomy events for 2022.
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Two year study shows living seawalls promote regeneration in Sydney Harbour

Associate Professor Melanie Bishop from the School of Natural Sciences announces the success of the Living Seawalls marine science initiative in producing evidence to support the environmental benefits of the project.

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Please explain: What’s so scary about the honeybee Varroa mite?

Professor Andrew Barron from the School of Natural Sciences explains the importance of Australia’s biosecurity response to the honeybee parasite and why we should be worried about the Varroa mite.

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A Macquarie-based program that uses science to inspire Indigenous young people into leadership roles has been named a winner in this year’s Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.

The National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP), based within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, won the Opportunity and Inclusion category against a strong field of contenders from around Australia.

Under the guidance of Associate Professor Joanne Jamie, Dr Ian Jamie, Associate Professor Subramanyam Vemulpad and Dr Emma Barnes, NISEP comprises of a collective of Aboriginal Elders, academics and high school staff.

By fostering and nurturing interests in science and more broadly STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies, the program encourages Indigenous school students to consider tertiary education whilst promoting the use of their knowledge to spark science-based discussions within Indigenous communities. The program was formed after Elders from the Yaegl and Bundjalung Countries asked Macquarie to assist in building educational aspirations among their young people.

Since 2005, NISEP has reached and engaged with thousands of Indigenous students through various activities and events. It currently partners with 11 high schools in low socio-economic rural, regional and metropolitan areas, and has a presence in three universities. Despite COVID-19, over the past 18 months, NISEP has placed 60 students into leadership positions. Over the course of its history, the program has supported and trained more than 1000 students as leaders.

“We are so thrilled that NISEP has been awarded AFR’s Opportunity and Inclusion Award,” says Joanne. “It well and truly signifies the importance of nurturing opportunities for inclusive education and providing greater access for all students.

“The future of STEM in our country is no doubt a bright and bold one, thanks to the keen interest from our students involved in the program and their passions to ignite conversations around education in their communities.”

Learn more about the National Indigenous Science Education Program.

The Senior Lecturer in STEM Education says her highlights include the initiation of the MyScience@MQ program, which brings scientist mentors into schools to transform the way kids see and experience science;  developing resources for the Dr Egg Adventures Laboratory; co-writing the soon-to-be-published  STEM Education in the Primary School: A teacher’s toolkit; and leading the development of IBM’s Artificial Intelligence for Teachers project, including the recent launch of its Coursera course.

Anne says the course is a great milestone for the Macquarie-IBM partnership, and she hopes it will support more students to enter the IBM EdTech Youth Challenge.

In a nutshell, my job is to…
Find effective ways to open doors to the world of science and STEM for young learners and their teachers.

My definition of success is…
Feeling peaceful.

A person at Macquarie that inspires me is…
My daughter Dr Miri Forbes. She is a world leader working on redefining and shaping future options for evaluating and treating mental disorders.

This year I want to…
Welcome my third and fourth grandchild into the world and begin writing my second Primary Science Education textbook.

The scariest thing I’ve ever done is…
Have a baby – four times!

As a kid, I was…
Obsessed with competitive running – now I’m just obsessed with running.

My guilty pleasure is…
Pleasures shouldn’t make you feel guilty – I love ice cream – as frequently as possible.

I’m scared of…
Spiders.

The most important thing I’ve learned this year is…
I need to live my university life on my own terms.

I’m happiest when…
I am creating something – no matter the domain.

The term “celebrity female scientist” might make you cringe a little, but it’s something that Science and Technology Australia is ultimately trying to build an army of with its Superstars of STEM program.

Now in its fourth year, the program aims to smash society’s gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women in STEM by supporting 60 women over a two-year period to grow their profile and share their science with new audiences.

Four Macquarie women are in the current Superstars cohort: spider expert Dr Lizzy Lowe, Earth scientist and ARC Future Fellow Dr Kate Selway, astrophysicist and ARC DECRA Fellow Dr Devika Kamath and reptile biologist Dr Georgia Ward-Fear.

Though their fields are quite diverse, the four women share the same passion for sharing their discoveries and breaking the mould when it comes to outdated perceptions of scientists.

“Growing up in a conservative environment in India, I was taught that a woman’s sense of fulfilment and success could only come from having a family,” says Devika. “I broke with this norm by focusing on education and establishing a scientific career overseas which has brought me international recognition.” [Editor: Fist bump]

Through the program’s training and networking activities, the Superstars have enjoyed a boost to their public profiles – the benefits of which are also flowing back to their relative departments and the University’s research reputation more broadly.

But far from chasing celebrity status, the Superstars are more focused on finding new ways to share the science that they’re so passionate about – as well as helping to build Australia’s next generation of STEM-trained workers.

“I’m in a field that the general public doesn’t really know much about, and most kids aren’t exposed to much Earth science at school,” says Kate. “Earth science is applicable to so many issues in Australia – climate science, sustainable agriculture, mining – but I don’t really see that we’re encouraging our young people into these areas at all.

“So, it’s been great to find new ways to make my research more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.”

Devika agrees, saying that Superstars has been an ideal platform for her to reach more people with her science and inspire younger generations.

“For me, success in research is not just about presenting my research findings to the scientific community,” notes Devika. “I also need to enthusiastically share my findings and knowledge with people all ages and backgrounds. By sharing my journey and my science with the world, I’m a visible role model for STEM as an exciting and viable career pathway.”

And while COVID-19 has disrupted much of the Superstars’ planned schools and face-to-face outreach activity, the switch to online outreach is allowing them to share their science in exciting new ways.

“We’re doing some really cool things for Science Week, and because everyone’s had to go online, we’re producing all this great science content that’s going to be useful for more people,” says Kate. “There’s a longevity and shareability to it that wasn’t there before.”

One of the most valuable elements of the program, say the Superstars, was being connected to so many women across a range of fields and industries – although the novelty of being in a room of all-women scientists was a shock at first.

“My field is very male-dominated and it’s quite common for me to be the only woman in the room,” says Kate. “So being in a room of female scientists at the first workshop was a very strange feeling! It was amazing how quickly we all became friends – it was an instant support network.”

“The networking element is by far the most valuable part of the program,” agrees Lizzy. “You can have different conversations – really useful conversations – with all these different women, all the way up to CEOs.”

As they prepare to ‘pass the baton’ to the next cohort of Superstars, the women say they’re looking forward to welcoming Macquarie’s next program participants into the Stars alumni.

“Establishing diversity and inclusivity in STEM as the new normal is a mammoth effort,” adds Devika. “We’re lucky to have so many champions of change here at Macquarie ­– including my own HOD Professor Mike Steel who encouraged me into the Superstars program – and I’m so pleased to be part of this change.”

Applications for the next Superstars of STEM cohort are open until 31 August.

Follow all Macquarie’s Superstars of STEM on Twitter:

@RKP_Industries (Ronika Power, 2017-18 Superstars cohort)
@lizylowe
@kate_selway
@DrDevikaKamath
@g_wardfear

Ancient stars break the rules of how suns are made

Associate Professor Daniel Zucker from the Department of Physics and Astronomy is part of a team that has found something very unusual. The discovery of a star cluster that shouldn’t exist raises intriguing new questions about how our galaxy formed.

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Please explain: why are we sending missions to Mars?

Associate Professor Craig O’Neill from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences explains why we’re sending missions to the red planet, with a simple four-letter word answer.

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Humpbacks are making a comeback

Dr Vanessa Pirotta from the Department of Biological Sciences discusses how one of Australia’s longest running volunteer science projects has uncovered a remarkable good news story about humpback whales.

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Smart UV sensor a world first to alert users to over-exposure

Dr Noushin Nasiri from the School of Engineering discusses the tiny wearable device created in the University’s Nanotechnology Laboratory, which could help millions avoid skin cancer.

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Now in its third year, Macquarie’s annual Gender Equity Week (7-12 March) coincides with International Women’s Day on 8 March. But far from being a week just for women, Gender Equity Week is an opportunity for all staff to come together and show their support for an open, diverse and supportive workplace – something we all play a role in creating.

What’s on

During Gender Equity Week, the gender balance of speakers is shifted to give a voice to women – challenging and raising awareness about gender stereotypes and biases.

And what an incredible group of speakers it will be – from Professor Catharine Lumby talking about social media as a tool for activism, to 10 Macquarie researchers whose work is shaping the world, to Professor John Croucher explaining why he decided to write his book on the ‘forgotten’ women of science, Women in Science: 100 Inspirational Lives.

Don’t miss the panel discussion on gender diversity and inclusion in sport, or your chance to hear from inspirational female leaders in Macquarie Business School’s Women Who Change the World event.

A stimulating selection of films and Macquarie TEDx talks will be screening after work throughout the week in the Campus Common, including during happy hour at Ubar.

A time for reflection

The week is also an opportunity to reflect on the University’s progress towards gender equity, says Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton in his invitation to staff.

“We can be immensely proud of our progress to date, as evidenced by the SAGE Athena Swan Bronze Award we received last year,” he says. “Awards like these recognise our strong organisational commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, our innovative approach to ‘fixing the system’ and clear evidence of its impact.

“I encourage all staff to attend Gender Equity Week, and take some time to review our progress in the Gender Equity Strategy. By working together to address the underlying causes of gender inequality, we are building a stronger, fairer and more inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.”

Visit the Gender Equity Week website to view and register for events. Early registration is recommended, as previous years’ events have sold out.

And if you can’t wait until 7 March to get your hit of amazing women, you can join Macquarie’s Dr Tayyaba Zafar, Dr Lizzy Lowe and Dr Heather Handley for a free evening event at Chatswood Library on Wednesday 4 March: Wild Women and stories from the scientific frontier

Reimagining the MBA for a future, global workforce

Earlier this month the Macquarie Business School launched its Global MBA to industry partners and the public at an event at our City Campus. The first session with 60+ Global MBA students commenced this month with the cohort representing a talented group of professionals from all over the world who want to future-proof and accelerate their careers.

The exciting new program features an innovative model that is stackable, affordable and future-focused to address tomorrow’s workplace. Structured around six key future-focused capabilities, the discipline knowledge and skills integrated into every capability will equip students to meet challenges head on.

The launch event included engaging addresses from Dr Stephanie Fahey, Austrade CEO; Warren Bingham, founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International; and Professor Stephen Brammer, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School. Find out more about our Global MBA.

Scientists and mothers (L-R) : Dr Lizzy Lowe and baby Riley, Dr Alex Carthey and baby Stella, Dr Jemma Geoghegan and baby Zephy.

Having kids in STEM: staff praise Macquarie for its support of new parents

The Faculty of Science and Engineering Women in STEM group regularly organises events to promote and support the women in STEM in the Faculty.  Recently, the Department of Biological Sciences hosted a morning tea with the theme: STEM and having kids.

Specifically invited were colleagues who are currently on parental leave. The guest speakers were Dr Lizzy Lowe and Dr Chris Reid who both had recently taken parental leave (and Lizzy is still on it). They told of their experiences of being a parent of a newborn, of the support they received from the University in taking leave, and how to maintain contact with colleagues during leave. The morning tea was also enhanced by some delicious baking by the biologists.

The faculty committee is chaired by Professor Judith Dawes and Professor Rob Harcourt, who captured this beautiful photo.

Another successful CAFRAL program concludes

Strategy and Leadership in the Digital Age was the focus for Macquarie Business School’s annual professional development program in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India’s Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL) earlier this month.

The week-long event saw the School host a delegation of senior officers and executives from India’s major banks and financial institutions. The program focused on the fast-developing Australia-India relationships between governments, entrepreneurs, financial services and banks. The week of intensive dialogue has set the scene for further engagements between the Business School, its experts in banking and finance, and the Indian banking sector.

“This is a very important opportunity for Macquarie Business School to work on strategic issues with senior bankers in India,” says Professor Philomena Leung. “We were thrilled to receive very positive feedback on the timeliness and relevance of the topics and the quality of the content.”

L-R: Professor Matt Bower, Dr Anja Augsdörfer, Professor Sakkie Pretorius (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research) and Kate Roth (Deputy Director, HDR Partnerships and Scholarships)

German Visiting Research Fellow explores teacher education through technology

Macquarie is currently hosting Dr Anja Augsdörfer from the University of Hamburg as a Joint Post-doctoral Research Fellow. Associate Professor Matt Bower and Anja are working on a project sponsored by Google to increase the understanding and utilisation of video in the training and development of teachers.

This project links areas of research strength in education at Macquarie University and the University of Hamburg and contributes to world-leading research in linking educational pedagogy to computational language.

Macquarie stars shine at Global Young Academy

The University was represented by two honoured staff members at this year’s Global Young Academy – Professor Anina Rich and Dr Shima Taheri.

The Global Young Academy (GYA) was founded in 2010 with the vision to give a voice to young scientists around the world. The GYA empowers early-career researchers to lead international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational dialogue by developing and mobilising talent from six continents.

During the week, delegates met with many distinguished parties including the Secretary General of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and senior Members of the German Parliament.

Professor Rich participated in many activities across the itinerary such as acting as a mentor/facilitator during new member training, moderating member talks, and facilitating interactive sessions on the panels.

Congratulations to Anina who was also re-elected to the Executive Committee.

(Photo credit: Markus Scholz)

MQ swim team competes with the best!

Twelve Macquarie University students recently competed in the UniSport Swimming Nationals which was run as a combined meet with the Sydney Open. This meant the team competed against the top clubs and universities in Australia as well as an invitational team from Japan.

In a spectacular three days of swimming, the team made the finals for 19 events, coming away with two silvers and one bronze medal:

• Thomas Peregrina (400IM, Bronze)
• Natasha Ramsden (50m Freestyle, Silver)
• Finn O’Connor (200m Breaststroke, Silver)

(L-R): David Malouf, Judith Crispin, Juno Gemes and Robert Adamson. Photo: Effy Alexakis, photowrite.

Renowned authors open Macquarie University Art Gallery’s latest exhibition

Three of Australia’s most eminent authors made a special visit to the Macquarie University Art Gallery earlier this month for the opening of the Gallery’s latest exhibition celebrating photographer Juno Gemes.

David Malouf, Judith Crispin and Robert Adamson performed special readings in honour of the Hungarian-born photographer, who is known for her literary portraiture and works exploring social justice.

Juno Gemes: The Quiet Activist A Survey 1979-2019 is open at the Macquarie University Art Gallery until 28 June 2019.

A virtual reality project that brings Torres Strait Islander culture to life has seen one of Macquarie’s brightest young Indigenous educators recognised with a CSIRO Indigenous STEM Award.

Rhett Loban, an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies, received the Career Achievement Award for his virtual reality game Torres Strait Virtual Reality (TSRV), at a special ceremony on campus on 12 March.

The awards recognise outstanding Indigenous students and scientists for their contributions to STEM, as well as their impact as role models for young Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

Rhett – who is completing a PhD on the power of virtual reality in learning and teaching – says he created the game as a way of sharing and celebrating his rich heritage.

“Torres Strait Islander people have such a vibrant and unique culture, and there isn’t currently that much material about them out there, so I wanted to fill that gap,” Rhett says.

The game follows a Torres Strait Islander person as he prepares for a traditional Tombstone Opening Ceremony, with players tasked with gathering key elements for the ceremony including drums, mats, spears and turtles.

Rhett has used the game in his own teaching of Indigenous culture, as well as the amazing potential for virtual reality tools in teaching.

“Virtual reality is a great new way of learning as it allows people to view the world from another perspective, which can be very powerful,” he says. “Using virtual reality and game-based learning creates a much more visual and interactive way of learning, helping students engage with the content and put what they are learning into context.”

Rhett plans to use his $20,000 prize to open the virtual door to Torres Strait Islander culture for a much wider audience.

“I have a learned a lot during this VR project and I hope to use this knowledge to create a new game for the public to play.”

A collaborative effort between Macquarie, Cochlear Limited, the Australian Hearing Hub, staff in the Junior Science Academy, and Parents of Deaf Children, the two-day camp was designed specifically for DHH students, using assistive listening devices, closed captions and text handouts to help the students grasp topics like flight, gravity and mechanics.

Class sizes were capped at 12 children to minimise the noise impact, and camp educators and coordinators underwent deaf awareness training in preparation for the event.

The camp was initiated by Macquarie PHD candidate Chi Yhun Lo, after a similar camp – the Veronica James Science Challenge – was discontinued a few years ago.

“That camp had a huge impact on many of my DHH friends, and when I found out it had ceased, it was a no-brainer to initiate our own program,” Chi says.

“DHH children are often the only child in their school with a hearing loss, and research shows this can contribute to poorer psychosocial outcomes and feelings of isolation for them,” he adds. “By delivering STEM through accessible communication, we can give them a much more inclusive educational experience.”

The camp was a big hit with both the students and their parents, with one parent remarking that it was great for their child to be able to enjoy a camp with peers and adults who ‘got it’ about deafness.

Getting to them early

“I am deeply passionate about gender equity and increasing female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Whilst the new School of Engineering is growing at a fantastic pace, females still make up less than 15 per cent of the student cohort.

“To change this, I believe we need to reach out to girls while they are still in high school, show them how diverse engineering is and challenge any preconceptions they might have. Engineering is a terrific springboard for many careers, of which I am living proof, currently being on my third career. Studying engineering gave me a strong foundation in maths, physics and computing which has enabled me to work in the fields of medicine, finance and software engineering.”

Don’t be afraid

“My advice for women entering the field is to find a strong mentor who is going to encourage, or even push you from your comfort zone. Since joining Macquarie as an Early Career Researcher last March, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have two wonderful mentors take me under their respective wings; Professor Orsola De Marco from Physics and Astronomy, and Associate Professor Anina Rich from Cognitive Science. What’s been incredibly useful is that both these researchers are from departments other than my own, and this allows me to benefit from the initiatives and experience gained in those more established departments, both on the research and teaching fronts.

“I’m hugely excited to be part of the Biomedical Imaging and Sensing group and to be teaching the new undergraduate specialisation we are offering. This is a fantastic set of four units which apply the principles of physics and engineering to medical imaging and sensing. We have an amazing program lined up for the students, and I believe that our location in the heart of Macquarie Park which offers access to scores of biotech companies, coupled with the onsite hospital and medical imaging facility means that we are uniquely placed in Sydney, if not Australia, to offer this kind of program.”