Volunteers from the Research School of Chemistry and the RSC IDEA committee have come together to recognize National Reconciliation Week 2021 by highlighting the work of a few chosen Indigenous leaders in STEM.

Karlie Noon

Karlie Noon is a Gamilaraay astrophysicist, astronomer, and science communicator. After being the first Aboriginal woman to obtain degrees in both maths and physics, Karlie completed a Masters of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Advanced) at ANU. She was recently appointed as the first Ambassador of Astronomy at the Sydney Observatory, and a Superstar of STEM for 2021. With almost a decade of experience in communicating science to live audiences and school groups, as well as hosting a weekly segment on ABC Radio, Karlie is engaging and inspiring people all across the country with the world of astronomy.

In her research, Karlie has investigated the evolution of the Milky Way and how it obtains new sources of neutral hydrogen gas to fuel star formation. Karlie is also passionate about Aboriginal Astronomy and has conducted research on how moon halos were used as weather indicators in traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Additionally, Karlie is currently working on a book that will explore the intersection of Aboriginal Astronomy and Western scientific knowledge about space.

Listen to and read more from Karlie Noon here:

• https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/astronomy/lunar-traditions-of-the-first-australians-2/
• https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/12051348
• http://www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au/people/karlie-noon/

Follow Karlie Noon on social media:

• Instragram: @karlienoon

• Twitter: @karlie_moon_

Corey Tutt

Corey Tutt is a proud Kamilaroi man, Young Australian of the Year for NSW 2020, and the CEO of DeadlyScience, an organisation on a mission to provide STEM resources, mentoring and training to remote and regional schools across Australia. So far, DeadlyScience has provided over 16,000 books and 500 telescopes to under-resourced schools, focusing particularly on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Due to the organisation’s work, some schools have seen a 25% increase in STEM engagement and attendance. Corey’s work as a founder, fundraiser and mentor has been recognised through many awards including the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Champion 2019, ABC Trailblazer 2019, and 2020 Eureka Prize Finalist.

In addition to providing STEM resources, Corey advocates for the real story of Australia’s past to be told in schools, and for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Scientists. Corey wants to ensure that every remote Australian school has a copy of Bruce Pascoe’s book Dark Emu (a history of Indigenous science and agriculture) and is currently working on a children’s book called ‘First Scientists’.

Donate to DeadlyScience here: https://deadlyscience.org.au/donate/

Purchase Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe here: https://www.magabala.com/products/dark-emu

Listen to and read more from Corey Tutt and DeadlyScience here:

• https://deadlyscience.org.au/about-us/
• https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/podcast/corey-tutt-the-power-of-deadly-science/
• https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/podcast/fizzicsed/podcast-inspiring-indigenous-youth-with-corey-tutt/

Follow Corey Tutt and DeadlyScience on social media:

• Twitter: @corey_tutt & @DeadlyScience
• Instagram: @coreytutt_deadlyscience & @deadlyscience_org