Ellen Deakin’s rising star on scientific front
A DEAKIN University engineer has been named a Superstar of STEM in a prestigious national program promoting the achievements of women in science and technology.
Dr Ellen Moon, a lecturer in Deakin’s School of Engineering, was welcomed into Science and Technology Australia’s 2019-20 Superstars of STEM program by Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.
Dr Moon is among 60 women researchers recognised as part of the program, which aims to smash society’s gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women in STEM.
The Geelong engineer’s research focuses on heavy metals in the environment: how they move through landscapes, the risk they pose, and how to clean them up.
Earlier this year, Dr Moon travelled to Antarctica on an all-female voyage as part of the Homeward Bound program, a leadership initiative for women with a science background.
“I am really excited about this opportunity to learn more about science communication and to continue my work pro- moting science to young people in the Geelong area, especially young girls,” she said.
Deakin’s Executive Dean for the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment Professor Karen Hapgood said that “Superstars of STEM is a fantastic initiative creating a critical mass of Australian female scientists and technologists who can act as role models for all scientists — but especially for young women and girls”.