CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Diana Malcomess has vast experience in technology consulting, whose career exemplifies the power of curiosity and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Currently serving as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Diana brings a wealth of global experience and cultural diversity with a background spanning three countries, including Partner in Digital & Emerging Technology...

About the Guest: Dr. Supre Ponnappa is a distinguished materials scientist who holds a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology. With a stellar academic background, she secured a gold medal in her engineering master's program and was recognized with the Higher Achiever Award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on developing a scalable biosensing platf...

About the Guest: Professor Dipti Talaulikar is a renowned clinical and laboratory haematologist at Canberra Health Services, having contributed to the field for over two decades. Originally from India, she holds the distinction of being the first woman in the nation to receive a Doctorate of Medicine in Haematology. Professor Talaulikar is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU),...

About the Guest: Dr. Aparna Lal is an Associate Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU). Her interdisciplinary research background spans environmental science, wildlife ecology, and public health. Notably recognized as the 2020 Young Tall Poppy of the Year and the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist o...

About the Guest: Nadine Najmeddine is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in scientific sales and channel management. She holds a Master of Biological Sciences from The Australian National University, a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Medical Science from Northern Lebanon University. Currently, Nadine works as a Channel Management S...

About the Guest Dr. Madhumita Iyengar is an economist by profession, advocate for women's empowerment, and community leader. She has a PhD in Economic Modelling from Queensland University of Technology and specialises in Economic evaluation of policies and programs, Impacts analysis, policy and program development and review. She is the Founder Chair of Initiatives for Women in Need (IWiN) and Cha...

About the Guest Dr Yvette Poudjom Djomani is a senior geophysicist at Geoscience Australia, Canberra, with over 25 years of experience in geophysical data processing, visualisation and interpretation. Her work supports mineral and energy investment attraction for Australia. She also holds an MBA in general administration and brings a holistic perspective on leadership, human resources and managing...

About the Guest Ananya Banerjee is the Director of Sarth, a youth-led NGO with 640+ youth volunteers from across India working towards building awareness on issues of mental health, menstrual hygiene, and gender. She is the founder of 'Abhivyakti', a mental health project at Sarthi, and the co-founder of 'Sushiksha', a chain of free weekend schools in rural India, and 'Buland', a menstrual health...

About the Guest Dr. Munazza Imran is a distinguished alumna of ANU, bringing forth more than two decades of invaluable experience in Life Sciences, which includes an extensive background in education. She previously served as an Assistant Professor specializing in microbiology at a public sector university in her native country Pakistan, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with the next g...

About the Guest Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data a...

About the Guest Isabelle Vu is a staunch intersectional feminist and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advocate focusing on gender equity, cultural diversity, mental health and the prevention of sexual, domestic and family violence. In 2023, Isabelle campaigned to raise over $1600 as part of the UN Women Australia's 16 Days of Activism Fundraiser, which aims to eliminate violence against women and...

About the Guest Dr Lubna Alam is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at the Deakin Business School Deakin University, co-founder of the volunteer-run not-for-profit ALO Enlightened Women Inc., member of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturism and winner of the ACT Outstanding Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the 2023 ACT Multicultural Awards and Westfield local...

About the guest Dr. Charis Teh is a cancer and immunology researcher based in Australia. She holds a PhD from ANU, a Master in Public Health from the University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Science Honours from ANU. Dr. Teh is currently a Victorian Cancer Agency Mid-Career Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Her work focuses on developing and improving life-saving ca...

About the Guest Sakshi Nanda is a proficient engineer with a unique blend of electronics, instrumentation, and biomedical engineering. With a background rooted in a culturally diverse heritage, she recognizes the immense value that different perspectives bring to the engineering field. Sakshi's personal experiences as a migrant have further ignited her passion for breaking down barriers and paving...

About The Guest Maria (Mafe) Bedoya is a Psychologist and HR Specialist, with a Masters of Business Management. With over a decade of corporate expertise in organizational psychology across diverse sectors including finance, security, gas & oil, and IT, Mafe specialises in corporate social well-being. She is also an entrepreneur, launching her coaching services for professional migrants in 2023. M...

About The Guest Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva graduated cum laude (with honours) with a Bachelor of Science (Philippines), completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (US), and became a DNA vaccine scientist. Celia then became a lawyer in the Philippines and Australia. She is the Board Chairperson of a 139-year-old pharmacy and a Director in other boards. She is a passionate mentor of migrants and in 20...

About The Guest Jawaria Mahmood is an engineer by qualification. She has experience working for the government, corporate and Not-for-profit sector in Australia and overseas. She is the founder of Tech Aware, which aims at improving digital literacy and cyber awareness for communities. She loves breaking down complex technical concepts into easy to understand information. She is a part of Engineer...

Dr. Ruwangi Fernando is an accomplished information technology expert and AI specialist with a strong academic and consulting background. She is the founder of Stem Sisters and co-founder of iSTEM Co, both organizations aimed at empowering women of color and promoting their employment in STEM fields. Dr. Fernando is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality in STEM and has...

In this episode, Dr Chloe Lim interviews Khin Kha, an IT professional and co-founder of Phoenix Sisters, a network that helps people and organizations understand and cultivate cultural intelligence. Khin Kha is an IT professional, cultural diversity champion, documentary filmmaker, and Asia 21 Next Generation Leaders nominee. She co-founded Phoenix Sisters, a volunteer-based network that aims to h...

In this inaugural episode of CALD Voices in STEM, host Dr. Chloe Lim shines a spotlight on the experiences, challenges, and inspiring career stories of culturally and linguistically diverse women in STEM. About our guest Our first guest, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, a senior regulatory scientist and co-founder of SiTara's Story, takes center stage. Hailing from Bangladesh, Dr. Shamaruh shares her remarkabl...