We have a cultural responsibility to our first & future scientists

Trailblazing Indigenous STEM champion, Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience.

Corey is a Kamilaroi man from Nowra, NSW, and a STEM champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a young person, he developed a love of STEM subjects but found little encouragement for Aboriginal people to pursue careers in STEM. In 2018, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that provides STEM resources to remote schools in Australia and connects young Indigenous people with STEM professionals.

In 2020, Corey was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year and a Human Rights Hero by the Australian Human Rights Commission. In 2021, he received an Australian Museum Eureka Prize and in 2022 a medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous STEM education. This year Corey Tutt has been appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor of the School of Science at Western Sydney University.

Corey edits the “DeadlyScience” Australian Geographic series and has authored two books. The highly awarded “The First Scientists”, followed by “This Book Thinks Ya Deadly.” Corey takes pride in championing First Nations STEM knowledge and building the future generations of the First Scientists.

Darren is a proud Gomeroi man. During his career Darren has worked across a number of financial services organisations heading up their Indigenous employment programs. He is currently the Indigenous Engagement Lead at IAG. During his career Darren was also the CEO of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.

For a full career overview visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-hammond-b1225991/

Allister is a qualified accountant, commencing his career in 2008. Over the years, he has had the
pleasure of dealing with a wide range of clients, such as small family business, graphic
designers, bookkeepers, carpenters, and electricians to film directors, producers, editors, actors,
performers, writers, radio personalities, micro-brewers, and to high net wealth
individuals/business, SMSF’s and to a public unlisted company. He enjoys educating and mixing
in puns into his interactions with clients. In 2021, Allister joined DeadlyScience in an official
capacity as Director, assisting behind the scenes in the financial management of the
organisation as the CFO. Allister also volunteers as an NSW Justice of the Peace; is a member of
the Institute of Public Accountants, the SMSF Association, and the Institute of Financial
Professionals.

Zoe is the president of the Deadly Science Board and has worked in Education since 2005 in a variety of teaching and leadership roles working with students, staff and families.

Zoe has worked with programs to foster school-readiness and healthy development, Adult Education, Indigenous Language Program Development as well as curriculum, planning and policy development. Particular areas of experience and interest include First Nations Languages and Revival, Early Years Education and cultural education focussed on Sciences, Technologies, History and Geography through an Indigenous Lens as well as Trauma-Informed Practices.

Zoe has worked, studied and volunteered in various contexts across Australia and internationally.
She is currently working on developing educational programs with different organisations.

Taylah is Gangalu mob, but grew up in FNQ in Gordonvale with strong ties to Giangurra. She studied Electrical and Aerospace Engineering (Hons) at Queensland University of Technology, and is currently working as an Aerospace Engineer at Boeing Defence Australia. Taylah is fiercely passionate about Indigenous STEM engagement and volunteers a lot of her time in this space. Taylah has been a guest host on Triple J’s Science Hour with Dr Karl, won a 2021 CSIRO Indigenous STEM Achievement Award, and a 2022 National Science Week ambassador.

For a full career overview visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylahgriffin/

Matthew is the Commercial Director of KBR’s Government Solutions business for the Asia Pacific region and is responsible for the commercial, contracting, subcontracting, procurement, and supply chain functions. His background and experience includes maritime, aviation, land, training systems and ICT domains. Matthew holds several tertiary qualifications including Master’s level qualifications in Law and Engineering Management. Matthew is admitted to the Supreme Court of the ACT and is a Graduate of the AICD.

For a full career overview visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewconnors76/

Kurt completed a PHD in Chemistry, and more recently an MBA at Melbourne Business School.  He has spent his entire career in medical research.  Kurt is currently the CEO of Cancer Trials Australia, overseeing the administration of clinical trials in both metropolitan and regional hospitals across the country.  He also sits on the Board of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, chairing their audit and risk committee.  Kurt is also involved in a number of STEM mentorship and education programs and is passionate about developing the next generation of STEM leaders.  

For a full career overview visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtlackovic/

Mikaela is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman of the Wagadagum tribe of Mabuyag, and has lived and worked in communities across Far North Queensland. Mikaela was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2020, after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2019 from the Queensland University of Technology. She has expertise in native title, cultural heritage protection and community engagement with First Nations communities. In her current role as an Indigenous Engagement Advisor in the energy and resources sector, Mikaela strengthens connections between First Nations communities and the industry, working towards positive outcomes. She is passionate about advancing STEM education and opportunities that positively impact young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

Trailblazing Indigenous STEM champion, Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience.

Corey is a Kamilaroi man from Nowra, NSW, and a STEM champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a young person, he developed a love of STEM subjects but found little encouragement for Aboriginal people to pursue careers in STEM. In 2018, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that provides STEM resources to remote schools in Australia and connects young Indigenous people with STEM professionals.

In 2020, Corey was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year and a Human Rights Hero by the Australian Human Rights Commission. In 2021, he received an Australian Museum Eureka Prize and in 2022 a medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous STEM education. This year Corey Tutt has been appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor of the School of Science at Western Sydney University.

Corey edits the “DeadlyScience” Australian Geographic series and has authored two books. The highly awarded “The First Scientists”, followed by “This Book Thinks Ya Deadly.” Corey takes pride in championing First Nations STEM knowledge and building the future generations of the First Scientists.

An experienced and creative administration professional, DJ excels in getting things done efficiently. His expertise extends across various industries like tech, finance, events, and entertainment, showcasing a versatile skill set ensuring top-notch project management within regulated environments.

From office management to orchestrating exciting events and offering strong administrative support, DJ brings diverse experience to DeadlyScience. Beyond his professional life, DJ passionately embraces his family, culture, and volunteer work. Whether helping out in distant locations or within his community, DJ is deeply committed to making a positive impact.

Dr. Gregory Crocetti is a passionate science educator with over 15 years of experience developing and delivering interdisciplinary educational workshops and participatory installations.

Drawing on his background as a microbial ecologist, he has collaborated with diverse teams to develop innovative, educational picture books and graphic novels, including co-creating the highly-awarded Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country.

From his base on Gumbaynggirr Country, Gregory’s work seeks to empower Indigenous students through inclusive and engaging programs that connect Indigenous Knowledge and STEM.

Holly is a Gamilaroi woman from Moree, who moved to Port Macquarie and finished schooling in Sydney during 2020. Holly graduated under an Indigenous scholarship, attended university through IAP for criminal justice, completed numerous certificates & courses whilst working at an Aboriginal Housing organisation. Using her strong passion for learning, working & volunteering, Holly continues to pay it forward to her communities by utilizing her skills & knowledge she obtained throughout the years.

Kim has spent most of her career in Early Years Education, and Community Services. Growing
up in Wiradjuri country and now residing in Biripi Country. Kim continues to volunteer within
different local Community Organisations. Kim volunteered at a Neighbourhood Center that
provides community connections giving access to support, information, referrals and education
links all community based.

Hailing from Worimi Country, Kristy brings a results-oriented approach to her role as Head of Impact, Reporting, and Process Improvement at Deadly Science. With a background in Agriculture Systems and Food Science, she has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and process improvement across a variety of businesses. Kristy’s career has spanned research and development, process improvement, compliance, and operations. Kristy’s passion for data-driven insights and strategic thinking makes her uniquely equipped to maximise the impact of Deadly Science’s programs and initiatives. Her love of spreadsheets and reporting is rivaled only by her knack for holistic thinking and process design – a combination that makes her perfectly suited to blend strategy and operational excellence in her new position. By developing robust measurement frameworks, optimising processes, and delivering actionable reports, she aims to accelerate the organisations growth objectives.  An active community member, Kristy volunteers with Surf Life Saving and serves on the Birubi Point SLSC board. She is excited to contribute to an organisation that shares and celebrates Indigenous knowledge.

Matt is a proud Wiradjuri man who has a passion for education. Having previously
worked at Science Gallery Melbourne at the University of Melbourne, he has spent
the last few years designing and delivering inspiring education programs for
secondary students. After joining the team at DeadlyScience, Matt now leads the
WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program.
In his spare time Matt can be found playing volleyball or studying at RMIT where he
is completing a Bachelor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
He is privileged to be working on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne).

Melissa has worked developing strategy and policy for the last 15 years in roles for the Northern Territory Department of Education, the Ministerial Council of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, Nova Corporation and more. Melissa has been working to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for more than ten years through education.

Rhi is a proud Wakka Wakka woman, dedicated to Service Delivery that is underpinned by a strengths-based approach and commitment to promoting further education and culturally responsive environments for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Her role at DeadlyScience is to inspire and empower the team of Program Managers to provide exceptional STEM learning experiences that align with our mission and objectives

Sarah is a proud Gomeroi yinnar with a strong background in human services. She has worked at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and Service NSW, and now she is the Deadly STEM in Schools Manager at Deadly Science.
In her current role, Sarah travels around Australia bringing exciting STEM activities to schools and sharing Indigenous science knowledge with students. She loves highlighting over 65,000 years of Indigenous culture and scientific expertise.
Sarah is deeply connected to her community and family, and this connection fuels her passion for her work. She is committed to sharing and celebrating Indigenous heritage and wisdom with everyone she meets.

Tara has a Bachelor’s degree from UNSW and a Diploma in Commercial Art & Graphic Design. She has been actively involved in the Digital Marketing space for almost a decade. Throughout her career, Tara has held several roles in the field, within a range of corporate settings, as well as NFP’s and charities. Tara has a passion for all things tech and STEM-related and works from her home base on Dharawal Country.

Vince is a proud Dunghutti/Thunghutti man from the small community of Bellbrook on Mid North Coast of NSW, he has strong family connections to the Anaiwan Nation around Armidale NSW, and the Dharawal Nation located from Coastal Sydney down to the Illawarra. Vince comes to us with a wealth of knowledge when supporting and working in Aboriginal communities, for the past 8 years he has been supporting the education of indigenous students (boys) at high school in Port Macquarie and Tamworth. He has also worked in the government sector with the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the Office of the NSW Ombudsman. During his childhood Vince was fortunate to have lived in many different communities across Australia, including Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and his home state of NSW, he still maintains his link to these communities.

Professor Misty Jenkins is a Gunditjmara woman, NHMRC fellow and laboratory head
in the Immunology Division at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research.
Misty leads the immunotherapy program and is co-Director of research strategy
within the Brain Cancer Centre. Her research is dedicated to discovering novel
immunotherapy targets for adult and paediatric brain cancer. Her primary research
focus is the development of novel chimeric antigen receptor T cells for brain cancer.

Her group also uses cutting edge two-photon microscopy combined with mouse
models to investigate the tumour microenvironment and uncover unique biology of
brain tumours.
Prof Jenkins has a PhD in Immunology from The University of Melbourne, followed
by postdoctoral positions at The Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and the Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Prof Jenkins was awarded the L’Oreal for Women in Science Fellowship (2013), was
Tall Poppy of the year (2015), was awarded the Top100 Women of Influence award
(2016) and was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2020.

In addition to her research career, Prof Jenkins is experienced in governance and
strategy as a company Director, co-chairs a Federal Health Medical Research Future
Fund (MRFF) and is a passionate advocate for gender equity and Indigenous Health
and education. She was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2023 for
distinguished service to medical science in Immunology, the support of women in
STEM, and to the Indigenous community.

Taylah is Gangalu mob, but grew up in FNQ in Gordonvale with strong ties to Giangurra. She studied Electrical and Aerospace Engineering (Hons) at Queensland University of Technology, and is currently working as an Aerospace Engineer at Boeing Defence Australia. Taylah is fiercely passionate about Indigenous STEM engagement and volunteers a lot of her time in this space. Taylah has been a guest host on Triple J’s Science Hour with Dr Karl, won a 2021 CSIRO Indigenous STEM Achievement Award, and a 2022 National Science Week ambassador.

For a full career overview visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylahgriffin/

Kinjia is a Tiwi and Rembarrnga woman who is passionate about highlighting the diversity of Indigenous STEM practices. She grew up in the lush tropics of Larrakia Country and the Tiwi Islands, where she first received a scientific education from her family and Country. She also studied a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) at The University of Melbourne, and completed a Master of Bioscience examining the connection between insects and Country on the Tiwi Islands. She has spent time working as an aquatic ecologist researching the connection between insects and waterways in Narrm (Melbourne), where she now lives. Her passion for studying the kinship between plants, animals, and the environment now informs her work with Traditional Owners of the Kulin nation.

Madii is a proud Wiradjuri woman born on Darug Country. Her passion for science stemmed from a love for the ocean and support from the right teachers at a young age in primary school.

Having graduated university with a Bachelor of Marine Science and further a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact, Madii now works in Diversity, Indigenous and Social Inclusion at a Tier One Contractor driving strategies for the employment of First Nations and other underrepresented peoples and opportunities for Social Procurement.

Creating opportunity for others to pursue their passions gets her out of bed each morning. Looking to break down barriers and allow people to flourish in STEM or STEM related careers is what brought her to work so closely with DeadlyScience.