Celebrating IFM’s Trailblazing Women in Science
Our women scientists are pioneering advancements in material science – and their experiences and insights are not only inspiring but also paving the way for the next generation of female scientists.
Today, Tuesday 11 February 2025, marks the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science – a day to promote and celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls in STEM and encourage young people to consider a future career in these fields.
This year the day’s theme is “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.” And what better way to celebrate than speak to three women at various stages of their careers at the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) to find out what inspired them to follow a career in STEM and what advice they have for young women and girls considering this as a career path.
Associate Professor Nolene Byrne
Research area: Materials Development for next generation energy storage technologies
My advice to young women interested in pursuing a career in science is to just do it!
I am passionate about understanding structure property relationships in materials and applying this understanding towards developing application specific materials.
My undergraduate degree in materials engineering inspired me to pursue a career in this field. In particular, my fourth-year project, looking at the impact of additives on conductivity in electrolytes for lithium batteries, cemented my passion for research. I really enjoyed developing a research hypothesis then designing and conducting experiments to address this. This experience inspired me to go on and complete my PhD.
As a young academic I would often find myself being the only female in the room during meetings. At the time I found this very intimidating. However, as I grew in my career, I gained confidence in myself. Now when I find myself being the only woman in the room, I am no longer bothered by it.
Curiosity and discovery motivate me in my career. I also thoroughly enjoy working alongside my industry partners, helping them to solve their problems. My team and I have worked closely with members of the Australia Pipeline and Gas Association to develop models that assist with fit for service estimations for asset management and replacement strategies. Working together with industry partners is both rewarding and inspiring, and it’s always exciting to see how our work can help shape better practices and solutions.
I have experienced many highs in my career, from being awarded an Australian Research Council (ARC) Australian Postdoctoral fellowship to receiving industry awards for research innovation and excellence.
I think my biggest achievement is when a PhD student I have supervised graduates.
The biggest lesson I have learnt throughout my career is to not be too attached to the outcome. There is always an opportunity for learning in every ‘mistake’, so lean into hard things and trust your gut and the process.
My advice to young women interested in pursuing a career in science is to just do it! Don’t be discouraged by challenges or obstacles that may arise. There will be moments of doubt but trust in your abilities and your passion for the field. Science needs diverse voices and perspectives, and your contributions will make a difference.
Dr Bhagya Dharmasiri
Research area: Multifunctional composites
If you love science and are driven to make a lasting impact, don’t let anything hold you back. You are as capable as anyone else, or more.
I was inspired to pursue a career in science as it allows you to manipulate the world from a molecular level to create something extraordinary, which is like a superpower! My background in chemistry sparked this realisation, and the potential to redesign and redefine materials inspired me to pursue multifunctional composites. I am now working as an Associate Research Fellow in IFM’s Carbon Fibre and Composites unit.
My research focuses on multifunctional carbon fibre composites, where I redesign traditional carbon fibre composites to perform beyond their conventional capabilities. This field excites me because it combines creativity, science, and engineering to solve real-world problems.
By the end of my PhD, I had established myself as a leading researcher in structural super capacitator composites. My academic journey has been marked by several awards and prizes, the most recent was being recognised as an Emerging Investigator by RSC Materials Horizon. My work is internationally acclaimed, with over 25 published papers, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in the field. I also serve as a reviewer for high-impact journals, contributing to the advancement of the scientific community.
What motivates me the most is the self-satisfaction of making meaningful progress every day. It’s the small victories – the “aha” moments and “Eureka!” breakthroughs – that energise me. Beyond that, knowing that my research has the potential to make a tangible impact in the real world keeps me inspired. Creating materials that push performance limits, even in incremental steps, is a source of immense motivation.
Coming from an Asian background, balancing cultural expectations and my professional aspirations has been a challenge.
As a woman, I’ve faced stereotypes and high expectations, but these experiences have only made me stronger, more organised, and determined. I’ve also encountered doubts, questions and comments about my capabilities, but I let my work speak for itself.
Excellence is the best response to doubt, and I’ve found that focusing on delivering results silences even the most critical voices.
My career journey has taught me to take pride in my work and accomplishments while staying humble. It’s important to celebrate the small wins – whether they’re mine or my students. Recognising and appreciating these moments has been essential to staying grounded and motivated. I’m also deeply grateful to the many incredible individuals I met along my journey who support and empower women in STEM.
If you love science and are driven to make a lasting impact, don’t let anything hold you back. You are as capable as anyone else, or more. Science offers endless opportunities to create, innovate, and inspire the next generation. Your passion, dedication and strength will take you farther than any obstacle.
Science has given me the opportunity to live a life of purpose and impact.
It’s not just a career, it’s a way to challenge myself, grow, and contribute to society. If you’re willing to put in the effort and embrace the journey, science can truly be one of the most rewarding paths you’ll ever take.
Saumya Saji Kochumoni
Research area: Biomedical engineering and biomaterials
Science is the art of questioning and understanding the world, arming us with knowledge to be our own superheroes in the face of any crisis.
I am a joint doctoral PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad and IFM, specialising in biomedical engineering and biomaterials. My research focuses on developing advanced solutions for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly through silk- and collagen-based hydrogels. I aim to 3D bio-print functional biomimetic scaffolds for urinary bladder reconstruction, which could significantly advance regenerative treatments in urology.
My passion for science was sparked by my science teacher in school. Her teaching ignited in me a deep fascination with the subject, to the point where I would spend all my time in the science lab.
My dedication earned me the playful nickname ‘the key to the science lab’.
This early curiosity along with a fascination with understanding how things work at a fundamental level is what inspired me to pursue a career in science.
During my bachelor’s and master’s in biotechnology, I became increasingly interested in how biological systems can be engineered to solve real-world medical challenges. I realised that while biotechnology provides powerful tools, integrating it with biomaterials and biofabrication could open entirely new possibilities for regenerative medicine. This realisation led me to shift my focus towards biomedical engineering.
What drew me specifically to bioprinting and biomaterials is the idea that we can create functional tissue-engineered organ constructs that mimic native organs. This ability to bridge biology and material science to address critical healthcare needs is what excites and inspires me every day.
The concept of 3D bioprinting functional organs feels almost like science fiction, yet it is becoming an exciting reality.
I envision a future where damaged tissues and organs can be repaired or replaced on demand through real-time hospital bioprinting.
The possibility of contributing to this transformation in healthcare fuels my motivation and passion for this field.
Growing up, I faced societal barriers where pursuing biotechnology research wasn’t considered suitable for women in my native place. I was discouraged from taking this path, but I persisted and fought for my dreams, convincing my parents and leaving home to study in a different state. It was a difficult journey, but my determination to follow my passion kept me moving forward. It wasn’t until COVID-19 that people around me truly understood the importance of research, and I finally gained the respect I had fought for.
The key is to persist, fight for your dreams, and prove your worth. Once you get there, people will recognise the value of your journey.
Recently I was successful in 3D bioprinting of a tri-layer bladder construct, a major step toward engineering functional tissues for urinary bladder reconstruction. The immunostaining image of this construct won the IFM Glimpse Ahead 2024 competition, showcasing its structural and cellular integrity. Currently, we are in the process of preparing a manuscript for publication, which I hope will contribute valuable insights to the field of bioprinting and regenerative medicine.
My advice to others would be to embrace science as a constant journey of learning. Take each step as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and enjoy the beauty of curiosity. Every observation, no matter how small, can lead to a breakthrough discovery. Be a keen observer, as the smallest details in experiments often hold the key to the most significant findings. Most importantly, enjoy the process, and let your passion and curiosity guide you. Science is not just a career, but a way of seeing and understanding the world around you.