Theoretical physicist and FLEET AI Karen Livesey (University of Newcastle) has today been announced as one of Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM.
She is one of 60 diverse, brilliant scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians who want to step into the media spotlight as STEM experts – officially announced today by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic.
Dr Karen Livesey (a Senior Lecturer at University of Newcastle) is a theoretical condensed-matter physicist working on magnetic nanomaterials, including thin films and nanoparticles. Karen relocated to Newcastle in 2020, mid- pandemic, and joined FLEET at the same time.
Karen said she was thrilled to have been chosen from a highly-competitive national field, and is looking forward to accelerating her public science communication.
“I love using mathematics to explore the physical world around us, and I enjoy communicating that joy to others.”
“I am excited to start work on this two year program, to learn from a vast network of engaging scientists and engineers, plus play my role in inspiring more girls to go into technical careers,” she said.
Karen has previously won awards for her teaching, research, talks, and service. She has taught physics at every level from first-year through to PhD, and coordinated the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Physics PhD program as it attained national ranking. Her PhD students have won poster awards, three-minute thesis competitions, and funded fellowships.
Science Minister Ed Husic congratulated the 60 new Superstars of STEM on stepping into the public arena to help inspire the next generations of diverse young Australians into STEM:
“The need to boost diversity in our science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector is urgent. There are huge skills shortages that can be addressed if we put our minds and collective effort to it – which means we have to draw deeply on our nation’s expertise from all corners of the community.”
The Superstars of STEM program provides the next generation of Australian scientists and technologists with diverse visible role models, inspiring young people from all backgrounds to consider a future in science.
Science & Technology Australia’s Misha Schubert said the program gave women and non-binary talent in STEM crucial skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.
“We know it’s really hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “That’s why this game-changing program is helping to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like.”
“By becoming highly visible role models in the media, these Superstars of STEM are showing our diverse next generations of young people – especially our girls and non-binary kids – that STEM is for them.”
Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Through a highly competitive selection process, the program selects 60 women and non-binary STEM experts and gives them the training, confidence, networks and experience to become sought-after media commentators as experts in their fields.