Our Team
The SMART Program is delivered by a professional team of engaging science communicators!
Our presenters include current university students, research scientists, teachers, and STEM professionals.
We asked some of our team what they enjoy about working with SMART, read on for their responses!
"It's really fun! I love seeing children make scientific discoveries, their excitement is contagious. We're lucky we have such a wonderful team and I enjoy working with everyone and also learning from them as well. An added bonus is I get fantastic ideas for activities I can do at home with my children."
Kelly Stevanov | Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours Class 1), University of Newcastle
"The chance to share my passion for science and how the world works! Educating people is a passion for me and as a SMART presenter I enjoy the opportunity to see the impacts of my actions as I change student's perceptions of science and the world around them. I most enjoy seeing people marvel at the wonders of science without even knowing they are learning from the experience!"
Nathan Burke | Phd Candidate, University of Newcastle (Biological Science); Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
"I enjoy spending time with the people that I work with - they are fun and passionate about science. I enjoy working in schools, with teachers and students and providing positive and engaging science education".
Leisl Kennedy | Bachelor of Primary Teaching, Charles Sturt University; Diploma of Education (Secondary Science), Charles Sturt University; Bachelor of Science, Macquarie University
"I love the opportunity to show kids how awesome science is. It's exciting to watch them be so curious and interested in the science activities."
Phoebe Hollott | Bachelor of Medical Engineering (Honours), University of Newcastle
"I have always loved exploring the excitement and wonder of science. From understanding simple reactions, to how the world works on the atomic scale, being a SMART presenter allows me to share my passion of science and how the world works and ignite that spark of passion within others (with a couple of explosions thrown in of course!)."
Hayden Robertson | Phd Candidate, University of Newcastle (Chemistry); Bachelor of Mathematics, Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
SMART Program Team Leader
Shelley Wilson
Shelley and is passionate about inspiring people of all ages to engage with STEM!
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours Class 1), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Engineering (Surveying) (Honours Class 1), University of Newcastle
- T: (02) 4921 7187
- E: shelley.wilson@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.