DeadlyScience Welcomes New Board Directors and Celebrates the Contributions of Departing Leaders

DeadlyScience, Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM education charity, is pleased to announce key leadership changes as it welcomes a new generation of directors to its board. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the organisation as it continues its mission to inspire and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM.

After years of dedicated service, founding directors Zoe O’Hara and Allister Sutherland will be stepping down from the board, along with esteemed director Taylah Griffin. Their tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in the organisation’s success, and DeadlyScience extends its deepest gratitude for their leadership and commitment.

Zoe O’Hara reflected on her time with DeadlyScience, stating:
“It is with mixed emotions that I step down from the board, but I’m incredibly excited to continue my journey with DeadlyScience in a new capacity within the education team. Serving on the board has been a privilege, and I look forward to supporting the organisation’s mission in a different way.”

Taylah Griffin, who has been a valued board member and ambassador, shared:
“DeadlyScience has had an incredible impact on young Indigenous learners, and I am proud to have contributed to that journey. While I am stepping back from the board, I will continue to support this important work in any way I can.”

As DeadlyScience farewells these incredible leaders, it is thrilled to introduce its newest board members: Katrina Byrne, Jessica Tapp, Henry Cooper, and Carly Forrest. Each of these accomplished professionals brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to equity in STEM education.

Meet the New Board Members

Katrina Byrne is a proud Noongar/Wilman woman with 18 years of experience in the resources industry. A passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in technology, Katrina is the co-founder of the First Nations-led tech startup, Call to Country, which focuses on embedding cultural competency into organisational frameworks.

Jessica Tapp is a proud Biripi and Worimi woman with a 20-year career as a multimedia journalist, producer, and communications specialist in the not-for-profit and government sectors. Jessica’s expertise in storytelling and advocacy will be instrumental in amplifying DeadlyScience’s mission and impact.

Henry Cooper, originally from New York and now based in Western Australia, has dedicated his career to mentorship and youth empowerment. As the Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager for CEOs for Gender Equity, Henry works to create inclusive environments and drive meaningful change in education and employment.

Carly Forrest is a proud Mandandanji woman with extensive experience in community engagement, business management, and governance. As the founder of The Dreaming Collective, Carly is committed to strengthening Indigenous business capabilities and fostering cultural governance.

Looking Ahead to 2025

DeadlyScience is poised for a transformative year in 2025, with a renewed focus on expanding its programs and deepening its impact. Founder and CEO Corey Tutt OAM shared his excitement for the future:
“We are incredibly grateful for Zoe, Allister, and Taylah’s contributions and look forward to continuing their legacy with the guidance of our new directors. Their expertise and passion will drive DeadlyScience forward as we strive to create greater STEM equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.”

DeadlyScience Chair Darren Hammond added:
“We thank our outgoing directors for their leadership and welcome our new board members with open arms. The future of DeadlyScience is bright, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”

As DeadlyScience continues to grow, the organisation remains dedicated to providing First Nations students with access to STEM education, resources, and opportunities to shape their futures.