Meet our scholars

I am a Kamilaroi man and founder and CEO of DeadlyScience. When I learnt that there was a remote school with only 15 books in the whole library (5 of which were dictionaries) I set out to make change. To date, DeadlyScience has provided over 30,000 culturally appropriate books and resources focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to spark student interest. Schools involved with DeadlyScience have reported a 25% increase in engagement in STEM and increased attendance. In partnership with Australia Post DeadlyScience is now supporting over 800 regional and remote schools with resources. I have also supported students during the pandemic and the bushfires and floods recently, and often conduct zooms video sessions with students around the country. I support kids in juvenile justice centres and kids in hospital. As a member of Science Technology Australia EDI committee, I am contributing to the development of the first Reconciliation Action Plan to further encourage participation and inclusion of First Nations peoples in STEM. My passion for Indigenous education has also been recognised through various awards including the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Champion 2019; AMP Tomorrow Maker 2019, ABC Trailblazer 2019, 2020 and 2021 Eureka prize Winner, Human rights hero from the Australian Human Rights Commission as well as an Order of Australia for contributions to Indigenous science. Deadly Science was the first Indigenous organisation to feature on a Formula one car in Australia on the side of the McLaren. I recently authored three books, one called the First Scientists (out now) a children's book for kids to discover how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have practiced all forms of STEAM throughout history and present. In addition to this book I have developed a STEAM series with Australian Geographic with Animal adaptations and wild weather released in August. I also write for K-Zone magazine and have a section for the DeadlyScientists.