The world is changing so fast, but science skills are only gaining importance. There’s huge demand from emerging science fields, including biotechnology and genetic engineering. And existing science fields like ag science and astrophysics are transforming fast too. The question isn’t why science? It’s which science?! And we’ve got the answers for you.
Watch our free STEM + X career webinar, supported by QUT, to hear from science aces blazing a trail from horse hoof disease to lithium ion battery tech, to growing crops in space!
RELATED: See previous STEM + X webinars on the Careers with STEM On Demand Playlist
Meet the panel
Carmen Martinez Harris – LinkedIn
Science superstar with diverse research portfolio and passion for STEM equity
Degree: Master’s student in Astrophysics, QUT
Carmen Martinez Harris is a Master’s student in astrophysics at QUT who brings a unique perspective to STEM after transitioning from the creative industries. She has built a diverse research portfolio spanning nanotechnology, lithium-ion batteries, Indigenous astronomy, and space policy, including contributing to the ASTRA Casuarina paper on regional collaboration in the space sector. A former CSIRO student researcher, she has applied machine learning to uncover new radio phenomena and strengthened her analytical skills through numerical optimisation work. Passionate about science communication and equity, Carmen mentors high school students through the ASPIRE program and advocates for accessible STEM pathways, particularly for women. She is now applying advanced mathematical methods in her astrophysics research to improve the accuracy of estimating galaxy properties.
Professor Melody de Laat – LinkedIn
Hero for horses, passionate teacher and lifelong student
Degree: PhD in Veterinary Science, UQ
Professor Melody de Laat is a clinical and research veterinarian at QUT who turns big biology questions into practical solutions for animal health. Her work explores how diet and hormones — especially insulin — impact horses, and she’s a global leader in preventing laminitis, a painful hoof disease. One of her landmark studies on insulin-related damage in horses ranks among the top 1% of animal science papers, and her ARC‑funded projects on gut hormones are helping vets and owners keep horses healthier for longer.
Jordan Gemmell
Expert in stressed plants – from climate affected crops to spaceship greenhouses
Degree: PhD Candidate in Biology and Environmental Science, QUT
Jordan Gemmell is a PhD student at QUT, where he researches how to boost crop performance through controlled stress responses — work that could help create more climate-resilient farming systems. He’s also leading innovative plant tissue culture research to grow and test plants that could one day survive extreme conditions in space and even thrive on the moon. Jordan is passionate about using science to support sustainable food production and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
Plus Lee Constable, event moderator, author and TV Presenter, best known for hosting Network 10 kids’ science show Scope.
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You can also view past STEM + X webinars on the Careers with STEM YouTube channel.
