Celebrating women ‘Cracking the Code’ this International Women’s Day

This year, on International Women’s Day, we are celebrating 11 female staff, students, and alumni who are ‘Cracking the Code’ and paving a way towards gender equality.

The UN Women’s theme this year is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’, which celebrates women who are making an impact not only in their communities, but for women all over the world, creating a more equitable future for all.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are a key part of what we do. Through utilising technology, embracing education, speaking up, and daring to imagine a better future for all, these 11 women have made an impact over the last year, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future.

Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd, Associate Professor

School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Earth Sciences)

Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd is leading vital research into the nature and triggers of extreme weather events, to help prepare our nation for the future of the climate.Recently, Dr Verdon-Kidd spoke with Robyn Williams on ABC RN about Australia’s history with severe drought and extreme floods, and how her research aims to crack the code to find solutions for the future of our country, and the world.You can listen to the podcast here.

Dr Karen Livesey, Senior Lecturer

School of Information and Physical Sciences (Physics)

In 2022, Dr Karen Livesey was named a National Superstar of STEM by the Science & Technology Australia, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. For her theoretical research on magnetic nanomaterials, she has been awarded the 2023 Women in Physics lectureship from the Australian Institute of Physics and will be conducting a national tour.

Through her work and research, Dr Livesey aims to crack the code by breaking gender stereotypes and inspiring more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM.

You can read more about Dr Livesey becoming a National STEM Superstar here.

Dr Michelle Kennedy, Associate Professor

Assistant Dean, Indigenous Strategy & Leadership

NHMRC Early Career Fellow

School of Medicine and Public Health

Proud Wiradjuri woman, Dr Michelle Kennedy’s work and research is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Currently, her work is focussed on improving the smoking cessation rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including during pregnancy.

Dr Michelle Kennedy is passionate about cracking the code for future generations, encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become leaders, researchers, and health advocates.

You can read more about Michelle’s story here.

Professor Nikola Bowden, School of Medicine and Public Health (Medical Genetics)

Dr Nikola Bowden’s is an award-winning molecular biologist whose research is aimed at DNA repair in cancer, particularly melanoma and ovarian cancer. In 2022, Dr Bowden’s research team made breakthrough discoveries into the treatment of late-stage treatment resistant melanoma to increase survival times. In our climate, where we have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, this research is vital to every Australian.

Dr Bowden’s research is cracking the code, making a difference to the lives of cancer patients, and their families.

You can read more about Nikola’s breakthrough research team here.

Professor Penny Jane Burke, Director, Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education

Global Innovation Chair of Equity

This year, Professor Penny Jane Burke’s appointment as UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education was announced. This is a huge milestone for Professor Burke who has 25 years of experience in the field of equity, social justice, and higher education.

In this globally prestigious role, Professor Burke will be working with the University of Newcastle’s Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE), cracking the code towards reducing inequalities and making higher education more accessible for all.

You can read more about the appointment of Professor Burke here.

Dr Kathleen McPhillips, Senior Lecturer

Dr Tracy McEwan, Academic Affiliate

School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Science

In huge news today, Dr Kathleen McPhillips and Dr Tracy McEwan have travelled to present their research to the Vatican – the most extensive global survey of Catholic women ever undertaken, which details experiences of women in the church.

Dr McPhillips and Dr McEwan are giving Catholic women a voice in a largely male oriented space, cracking the code, and providing essential research towards a more gender equal future for all.

Sarah Williams, Founder of ‘What Were You Wearing’

Bachelor of Laws student

Sarah Williams is the founder of What Were You Wearing (WWYW), a community organisation by survivors, for survivors that aims to increase awareness, education, and advocate against sexual assault. For her advocacy work, Sarah was announced as Newcastle Woman of the Year 2023, an incredible and well-deserved achievement. WWYW is in the process of establishing a Survivors Advocates Advisory group to work towards ending sexual violence on campus, and in the community.

Sarah is doing important work for her community, helping to lead the way towards a safer future for all from gender-based violence. Read more about her work and recent Newcastle Woman of the Year title here.

Tanika Ridgeway, Yapug Graduate

Bachelor of Medical Science student

Tanika Ridgeway is a proud Worimi woman from Port Stephens, and graduate of the University of Newcastle’s Yapug pathway program who is now on the path to becoming a doctor through our Joint Medical Program. While studying, Tanika is working as an Indigenous Research Assistant at the University of Newcastle on a range of research projects including research ethics, tobacco control, ear health and cancer screening. Tanika is looking forward to cracking the code and working towards improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

You can read more about Tanika’s story here.

Taylah Gray, Bachelor of Laws alumna

PhD Candidate

Taylah Gray is a proud Wiradjuri woman, and alumni of the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Laws whose campaigning efforts for Indigenous rights have made headlines Australia wide. Taylah is currently undertaking a PhD on Native Title and sovereignty. Taylah is the first Indigenous student to undertake a PhD in law at the University of Newcastle.

Taylah is making a significant impact in her community and inspiring future generations of Indigenous Australians.

You can read more about Taylah’s induction to the Supreme Court here.

Catherine Olivier, COO and Co-founder of LükBook

Bachelor of Commerce alumna

Catherine Olivier is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of LükBook, an e-commerce company that aims to make plus size fashion accessible and aspirational for all Australian women. Inspired by life experience, Catherine started LükBook to create a space for women to ‘come as they are’, meaning that they don’t need to change a thing to be able to access stylish and size inclusive fashions.
You can read more about Catherine’s journey to launching LükBook here.

We know that our University community is made up of so many impactful women from all walks of life. It is the diversity of our community that enriches and informs the future direction of our institution. Today we would like to acknowledge and celebrate all of the women who make up our staff, students, and alumni. Each person is an important part of the picture that will make the future brighter for all.

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