
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr Jordan Nguyen
We are thrilled to announce Dr Jordan Nguyen, a pioneering figure in Biomedical Engineering will head the STEM 2024 line-up as our Featured Keynote Speaker.
Renowned for his innovative mind-controlled smart wheelchair and impactful work in inclusive technology, Jordan’s journey from Western Sydney to global recognition embodies resilience and a drive to enhance lives through technology.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Associate Professor Erica Southgate – University of Newcastle, School of Education
Associate Professor Erica Southgate brings a forward-thinking perspective to the future of education, exploring how AI will shape classrooms and the ethical, pedagogical, and curricular questions it raises. As an expert in technology ethics and emerging educational technologies, Erica will share insights from her pioneering work with VR in schools and her government-commissioned research on AI in education. Her keynote promises to offer educators thought-provoking ideas on preparing students for a world where AI and automated learning will play an ever-increasing role.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Hear from Australia’s first qualified astronaut at STEM 2024.
Australian astronaut and space systems engineer, Katherine is the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag and currently works for the Australian Space Agency. Learn more about her remarkable journey, contributions to Australia’s space capability, and insights into human spaceflight and space technology.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Hear from Australia’s first qualified astronaut at STEM 2024.
Australian astronaut and space systems engineer, Katherine is the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag and currently works for the Australian Space Agency. Learn more about her remarkable journey, contributions to Australia’s space capability, and insights into human spaceflight and space technology.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kirsten Banks
Dive into the universe with Kirsten Banks at STEM 2024!
A proud Wiradjuri woman and recently completing a PhD in astrophysics, Kirsten bridges the gap between the cosmos and culture. Kirsten’s passion for science communication and advocacy for diversity in STEM will inspire and enlighten.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kirsten Banks
Dive into the universe with Kirsten Banks at STEM 2024!
A proud Wiradjuri woman and recently completing a PhD in astrophysics, Kirsten bridges the gap between the cosmos and culture. Kirsten’s passion for science communication and advocacy for diversity in STEM will inspire and enlighten.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tim Bell
Explore the concept of computational thinking with Professor Tim Bell at STEM 2024.
Join Professor Tim Bell from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and learn how computational thinking is reshaping education and preparing students to become creators of technology. Don’t miss this insightful session!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tim Bell
Explore the concept of computational thinking with Professor Tim Bell at STEM 2024.
Join Professor Tim Bell from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and learn how computational thinking is reshaping education and preparing students to become creators of technology. Don’t miss this insightful session!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
Explore the mysteries of the universe with the award-winning astrophysicist and former Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador.
Join author and science communicator Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith as she explores where STEM can take us. Hear Lisa’s stories of her own career in STEM and how STEM qualifications can set students up to have greater choice and freedom in their own career journeys. Don’t miss this exciting keynote session!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
Explore the mysteries of the universe with the award-winning astrophysicist and former Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador.
Join author and science communicator Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith as she explores where STEM can take us. Hear Lisa’s stories of her own career in STEM and how STEM qualifications can set students up to have greater choice and freedom in their own career journeys. Don’t miss this exciting keynote session!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Brett Salakas – HP Education Ambassador
Discover the power of connection and collaboration with the HP Education Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand.
Join Brett Salakas from HP and founder of #aussieED, Australia’s largest online network of teachers, as he shares insights on transforming educational theory into real classroom practice. With 26 years of teaching experience, Brett is a passionate advocate for inspiring educators. Don’t miss this inspiring session with one of the top voices in global education!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Brett Salakas – HP Education Ambassador
Discover the power of connection and collaboration with the HP Education Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand.
Join Brett Salakas from HP and founder of #aussieED, Australia’s largest online network of teachers, as he shares insights on transforming educational theory into real classroom practice. With 26 years of teaching experience, Brett is a passionate advocate for inspiring educators. Don’t miss this inspiring session with one of the top voices in global education!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Scott Sleap – NSW Department of Education
Explore the future of STEM education via cutting-edge teaching strategies to empower educators and students.
Join the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment Coordinator as he explains how strategies such as explicit instruction, inquiry-based, problem-based, and project-based learning, can empower both educators and students. Learn more about the importance of equity in STEM, the role of industry partnerships in enhancing learning outcomes, and come away with practical programs and resources that can be implemented in your classroom to engage students in STEM.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Scott Sleap – NSW Department of Education
Explore the future of STEM education via cutting-edge teaching strategies to empower educators and students.
Join the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment Coordinator as he explains how strategies such as explicit instruction, inquiry-based, problem-based, and project-based learning, can empower both educators and students. Learn more about the importance of equity in STEM, the role of industry partnerships in enhancing learning outcomes, and come away with practical programs and resources that can be implemented in your classroom to engage students in STEM.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Eddie Woo – NSW Department Of Education
Professor Eddie Woo will challenge us to reimagine mathematics as an essential, interconnected part of STEM. Drawing on his dynamic experience as an educator and global maths advocate, Eddie will explore how mathematical thinking powers every STEM discipline, underscoring the value of holistic STEM education. This keynote will inspire educators to bridge disciplines and approach STEM with a collaborative mindset, revealing the transformative role of maths in sparking curiosity and driving innovation.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Eddie Woo – NSW Department Of Education
Professor Eddie Woo will challenge us to reimagine mathematics as an essential, interconnected part of STEM. Drawing on his dynamic experience as an educator and global maths advocate, Eddie will explore how mathematical thinking powers every STEM discipline, underscoring the value of holistic STEM education. This keynote will inspire educators to bridge disciplines and approach STEM with a collaborative mindset, revealing the transformative role of maths in sparking curiosity and driving innovation.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Jenny Gore – University of Newcastle, School of Education
With a passion for high-quality education, Professor Gore will delve into the importance of effective teaching practices in STEM. Drawing from over a decade of research, she’ll share findings on student aspirations, quality teaching, and the positive impact on learning outcomes, especially in disadvantaged contexts. Get insights into how quality STEM education not only builds skills but nurtures lifelong curiosity.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Jenny Gore – University of Newcastle, School of Education
With a passion for high-quality education, Professor Gore will delve into the importance of effective teaching practices in STEM. Drawing from over a decade of research, she’ll share findings on student aspirations, quality teaching, and the positive impact on learning outcomes, especially in disadvantaged contexts. Get insights into how quality STEM education not only builds skills but nurtures lifelong curiosity.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PROFESSOR ROBERT GREENBERG – Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Human and Social Futures
With profound insight and personal experience, Professor Robert Greenberg’s keynote will explore his journey of overcoming vision loss to achieve academic leadership through adaptive technology. Sharing his story of resilience, Professor Greenberg will highlight how screen readers and talking smartphones have empowered him, yet he’ll address the persistent attitudinal barriers that hinder opportunities for people with disabilities. This keynote aims to inspire educators to embrace technology and foster belief in their students’ abilities, regardless of physical challenges.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PROFESSOR ROBERT GREENBERG – Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Human and Social Futures
With profound insight and personal experience, Professor Robert Greenberg’s keynote will explore his journey of overcoming vision loss to achieve academic leadership through adaptive technology. Sharing his story of resilience, Professor Greenberg will highlight how screen readers and talking smartphones have empowered him, yet he’ll address the persistent attitudinal barriers that hinder opportunities for people with disabilities. This keynote aims to inspire educators to embrace technology and foster belief in their students’ abilities, regardless of physical challenges.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Associate Professor Erica Southgate – University of Newcastle, School of Education
Associate Professor Erica Southgate brings a forward-thinking perspective to the future of education, exploring how AI will shape classrooms and the ethical, pedagogical, and curricular questions it raises. As an expert in technology ethics and emerging educational technologies, Erica will share insights from her pioneering work with VR in schools and her government-commissioned research on AI in education. Her keynote promises to offer educators thought-provoking ideas on preparing students for a world where AI and automated learning will play an ever-increasing role.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Associate Professor Erica Southgate – University of Newcastle, School of Education
Associate Professor Erica Southgate brings a forward-thinking perspective to the future of education, exploring how AI will shape classrooms and the ethical, pedagogical, and curricular questions it raises. As an expert in technology ethics and emerging educational technologies, Erica will share insights from her pioneering work with VR in schools and her government-commissioned research on AI in education. Her keynote promises to offer educators thought-provoking ideas on preparing students for a world where AI and automated learning will play an ever-increasing role.