Meet the Team

GALS CEO

  • Meow-llo! I’m Dr Elle and I oversee GALS! My friends, the STEM 3, and I are passionate STEM-lievers and we want to share our love for learning, discovery and innovation with girls all over Australia! Join us and the awesome GALS team of academics, industry professionals and students leading their fields to find your very own STEM passion!

Geelong and Warrnambool

  • Deakin University

    Professor Linda Hobbs has designed, implemented and evaluated professional learning for school teachers for over fifteen years. She currently leads the evaluation of the Victorian Tech Schools Initiative, working closely with the Department of Education and Training (DET) and Tech Schools to develop a rigorous evaluation strategy involving a range of key stakeholders. She has also led a number of projects, including two Australian Research Council (ARC) projects, investigating the learning experiences of out-of-field teachers of science and mathematics and educational systems. Her research into out-of-field teaching, and teacher and school change materials developed as part of her STEM professional learning program have been applied to a range of contexts, including other programs for primary and secondary school teachers. 

  • Deakin University

    Kristin Walsh is a sessional academic and Research Assistant in the School of Education at Deakin University. She has worked across several research teams supporting Victorian schools and teachers in STEM education programs, and with the Office of the Vice Chancellor to develop and establish a Warrnambool based STEM program, including the implementation of facilitator training,  accessible through our Warrnambool campus. As School Liaison Officer on the Girls as Leaders in STEM ‘GALS’ project she has worked with schools, teachers, students and community across Western Victoria, Mildura and Geelong regions. Other research projects include ‘Kids Teaching Teachers Digital Technologies,’ and Telematics Trust VR-Haptics for regional STEM.  

  • Deakin University

    Paige is passionate about marine life, with degrees in Marine Science and a PhD focused on how feed affects digestion in farmed Atlantic salmon—work that supports animal welfare in a changing climate. Her studies have taken her to stunning locations and offered hands-on experience with marine creatures. Committed to sharing the wonders of the ocean and STEM, Paige inspires others to explore and connect with the natural world. 

  • Deakin University

    Dr Judith Gomes is a Lecturer in the School of Education at Deakin University. She has over 15 years of experience teaching and conducting research in early childhood STEM education. Her work focuses on STEM pedagogy in preschool settings and developing innovative approaches to early childhood teacher education. Her research involves engagement with preschools and families, with an emphasis on understanding the relationships that support STEM learning in the early years. Judith has also worked with children and communities in a range of international contexts, including Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa. Her research reflects both the opportunities and challenges of introducing STEM education in early childhood settings, including the need to advance teaching approaches for continuing development in this field.

  • Deakin University

    Georgina is passionate about STEM and has been part of the Department of Education at Deakin University for over five years, teaching a range of subjects including Primary Science. Georgina has spent the past seventeen years as a primary school teacher, part of that working as a STEM teacher and finished her Masters of Ed in research in 2021. She is particularly passionate about making STEM fun, accessible and inclusive, and helping students discover that they can be scientists, engineers, designers and innovators too.

  • Deakin University

    Anna is a passionate educator with a portfolio career across corporate, not for profit and education sectors. As a Research Fellow, she brings to the GALS team an interdisciplinary lens.  Anna previously co-developed and built the award winning cross-faculty Deakin Aspire outreach program and successfully immersed hundreds of primary and secondary school students in learning at Deakin to make university part of their worlds. Concurrently, this program was used as an alternate Initial Teacher Education platform for Master of Applied Learning and Teaching students. This exemplifies Anna’s intrapreneurial flair and passion for sharing knowledge.

  • Deakin University

    Dr. Lihua Xu is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Deakin University. She has extensive experience working with teachers and schools in professional learning and curriculum design in the areas of science, mathematics, and interdisciplinary STEM. Over the last 15 years, she has been involved in and led a number of large-scale projects that investigated curriculum and instructional practices in primary and secondary schools. Her current research explores innovative ways to improve interdisciplinary STEM learning in schools and facilitate school change in STEM education. 

  • Senior Lecturer, School of Information Technology, Deakin University.

    GALS Technology Enthusiast.

    Sophie is a senior lecturer in the School of Information Technology at Deakin University. Sophie’s background in technology, games design, virtual reality and prototyping contributes to GALS through engaging the teachers and students in design thinking and design sprints. Sophie has worked with students and teachers over the last 5 years to consider approaches to classroom engagement using technology, with a focus on using games to immersive learners in critical topics. 

  • Deakin University

    Madison Bone (she/her) is a PhD candidate of Deakin University, researching the role of the microbiome in myasis of Australian Merino sheep. After achieving a double bachelor’s in criminology and forensic science (biology – Honours), Madison completed one year of specialised research into aquatic decomposition. For the last three years, Madison applied and expanded her entomological and microbial knowledge into the agricultural space, observing the role of bacteria in the epidemic of flystrike in Australia. Additionally, Madison maintains connected to the young scientist’s community by participating in programs including GALS (Girls as Leaders in STEM) and Forensic Detectives (Deakin University).

  • Deakin University

    Yemurayi Choto is an international student from Zimbabwe currently completing the final year of her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours). Driven by a passion for problem-solving and a desire to be challenged, Yemurayi is keen to pursue a career in engineering. Since becoming involved with the GALS program in 2022, she have found great fulfilment in serving as a mentor and role model for young girls aspiring to enter STEM fields. Yemurayi see it as a privilege to contribute to a program that empowers and inspires the next generation of females in STEM.

  • Deakin University

    Georgia Mills is a final year Bachelor of Science student at Deakin University, majoring in Chemistry. Throughout her studies at Deakin, Georgia has been involved as a Student Peer Mentor for first year STEM students as well has undertaking a student placement in Thailand, where she volunteered in a rural medical clinic and taught science and English to primary and high school students. Georgia’s passions lie with inspiring engagement in science and through this passion, she has been a GALS Ambassador for three years, helping to encourage young girls' potential and confidence by promoting an impactful learning environment that empowers female leadership and innovation in traditionally underrepresented fields.

Ballarat

  • Federation University Australia

    Josh is a lecturer at the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University. Josh's research focuses on different models of teaching and learning in middle years education. Josh uses the arts-based methodology of poetic inquiry within his research. Josh has worked in several P-12 school contexts across Government, Independent and Catholic sectors. Josh is also heavily involved in professional associations related to his work in the outdoor and broader education sectors. Josh is available for expert panel membership, report writing and research projects.

  • Federation University Australia

    Dr Dũng Trần is Associate Professor in Mathematics and STEM Education at the Institute of Education, Arts and Community, Federation University Australia. His research focuses on (a) analysing, designing and implementing curriculum to improve diverse students' mathematical literacy, abilities to use mathematics and statistics to be functional and critical in the home, civic, and work-life; and (b) developing teacher competence to teach students mathematics, using holistic approaches.

    He works with preservice and inservice teachers in several countries to develop their mathematical teaching competence. He also has extensive experience in curriculum analysis and development. His expertise includes document analysis, design-based research, clinical (task-based) interviews, and using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

  • Federation University Australia

    Rob is a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University’s Mt Helen Campus. Rob's primary research interests are in the field of science & technology education, but he also undertakes research in other curriculum areas, such as science, SOSE and mathematics. Prior to working at Federation University, he taught in primary schools across regional, rural and remote areas of Queensland for 16 years, and has also taught at the University of Chester in UK as part of an academic exchange program.

  • Federation University Australia

    Garry is Professor of Education in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University (Mt. Helen) and Honorary Professor in the School of Education at Macquarie University. Before joining Federation in March 2023, he was Professor of Education and Director of International Engagement at Macquarie University  and Associate Professor and Professor of Digital Learning at Waikato University in New Zealand. His background includes 22 years teaching and leadership of New Zealand primary and secondary schools , as CI for the ARC Discovery Project: Coding Animated Narratives as Contemporary Multimodal Authorship in Schools, and as NSW lead for the Federal Government’s Principals as STEM Leaders (PASL) project. His research interests include mobile learning, digital learning in primary and middle schools, online and blended learning, curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment in digitally-supported innovative learning environments, learning in primary science and technology, and educational research methods. Garry has served on numerous advisory and writing panels for eLearning policy and curriculum development, industry and sector advisory boards, and the NZ Prime Minister's Panel of Experts for Digital Learning.

  • Federation University Australia

    Dr. Yuwen Ma is a lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, Arts and Community.  Yuwen collaborates extensively with international scholars and teachers to design and implement effective STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects that enhance children’s STEM learning processes and promote teachers' confidence and competence.  Her research is centred on play-based learning, enhancing children's STEM education, fostering imagination and creativity, and promoting students’ agency.

  • Ballarat Tech School
    Federation University Australia

    Skye is a primary school teacher with over 15 years of classroom and school leadership experience. She has a passion for STEM and sustainability education. Skye is currently a Sessional Lecturer in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University’s Mt Helen Campus, and a year six teacher at a Ballarat Catholic Primary School in addition to her role she is running the 2025 Ballarat GALS program as a STEM Educator at the Ballarat Tech School. Skye is a passionate educator who builds strong connections with students, fosters a love of learning, and continually seeks new, creative ways to help every learner reach their full potential.

Bendigo

  • Discovery Science and Technology Centre

    Alissa is the Manager of the Discovery Science and Technology Centre with expertise in STEM engagement and hands-on learning experiences. With both an undergraduate degree and Masters in Science Communication, she has built her career around making science accessible, engaging and fun for all.

     

    Her experience includes touring remote Australia with the Science Circus, delivering STEM programs to communities across the country, as well as several years designing and delivering forensic science education programs throughout Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

     

    As Manager of Discovery Science and Technology Centre in Bendigo for the past six years, she has led innovative programs and partnerships that inspire curiosity and broaden participation in STEM. She is particularly passionate about Discovery’s Girls in STEM program and creating opportunities that empower young people to see themselves in STEM futures.

  • Discovery Science and Technology Centre

    Jess Cola is a science communicator and educator with expertise in workshop facilitation, virtual learning and inclusive STEM engagement. At Discovery Science and Technology Centre, she leads the development and delivery of workshops, educator training, virtual programs and the GALS initiative, creating engaging learning experiences that connect people with science in meaningful ways.

     

    Jess is passionate about community, culture and lifelong learning, with a strong focus on creating supportive and people-centred environments where individuals can grow in confidence, curiosity and capability. Her work combines inclusive design, mentorship and collaboration to foster positive learning experiences for students, teachers and communities alike.

    Driven by a commitment to equity, engagement and professional growth, Jess is dedicated to empowering others through STEM education and creating opportunities that inspire connection, development and lasting impact.

  • La Trobe University

    Professor Therese Keane is an internationally recognised educator and researcher with deep expertise in digital technologies, STEM education, gender equity, and teacher professional learning. Her work explores the transformative role of digital technologies in teaching, learning, curriculum innovation, and educational leadership, with a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable educational opportunities. Through research, collaboration, and global engagement, she advances innovative approaches that prepare educators and learners for an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

  • La Trobe University

    Milorad is a Lecturer in the School of Education at La Trobe University and remains a registered teacher, having taught a broad range of STEM subjects across the secondary school years. Prior to entering education, he spent 17 years in the Information Technology industry as a Software Developer and Database Specialist, working with both national and international organisations. These experiences have shaped his emphasis on authentic, real-world problem-based learning, informing both his teaching practice and his ongoing research interests. Inspired by his daughter, Milorad entered the education profession with a strong commitment to addressing gender imbalance in STEM through the development and implementation of innovative STEM programs that encourage greater participation of girls in STEM pathways.

  • La Trobe University

    Tim is a lecturer in STEM and science education based at La Trobe’s Bendigo campus. He is a chemist, mathematician, and teacher, with career time split between heavy industry, business management, and education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels largely in STEM roles. Tim’s PhD is in soil carbon chemistry, and his research interests are in the area of rural STEM, initial teacher education in science and STEM, and supporting local STEM teaching and learning initiatives of all kinds.

Gippsland

  • Gippsland Tech School

    Paul holds a Master of Business, Master of Professional Education and Training, Bachelor of Social Science (Hons), and Diploma of VET Practice. Paul is also a Churchill Fellow and holds an ISS Fellowship.

    He specialises in Humanities, Social Science, Economics, and Politics and aims to support young people to experience a variety of programs to help them develop their passion for learning.

     He draws inspiration from the people around him and seeing teachers share their passions with students.

  • Gippsland Tech School

    Natasha has completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and a Masters in Teaching. She has experience in teaching at local schools, as well as being involved in the development of a STEAM program at Yinnar.

    Natasha loves discovering new things about the world and is passionate about stimulating curiosity in students, so that they can experience the same enthusiasm and excitement.

  • Gippsland Tech School

    Holding a Diploma in Human Resources Management and an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology, and having over 10 years’ experience in a variety of administration roles, Kat brings a wealth of knowledge and personality to the Tech School.

     Kat is always keen to learn new things and enjoys tinkering with the variety of equipment the Tech School has to offer.

Past Team Members

  • Dr Chris Speldewinde is a Research Fellow and Project Manager at Deakin University. His primary research focus is on teaching and learning in bush kinders, an outdoor context for Australian early childhood education. Chris has published a number of academic and practitioner publications regarding bush kinders including a recently co-authored booklet in the Early Childhood Australia’s Research in Practice series. His current research is investigating assessment of children’s learning in bush kinders and children’s risk and resilience. He has worked on projects involving with multi-university research teams investigating issues in early childhood, primary and secondary school education.

  • Jill is a sessional lecturer in Senior Science Curriculum in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University and mentors Pre-Service Teachers in their school placements.

    Jill was a classroom teacher of secondary maths, science and chemistry for 25 years and has expertise in curriculum development, leading Professional Learning Communities and coordinating school daily operations. Jill has a chemical engineering degree and prior to her career in education worked as a process engineer in the food industry.

  • Jorja McKinnon is the School Liaison Officer on the GALS project and is developing the curriculum package around key ideas. She has a particular interest in STEM with a sustainability focus. Trained as a secondary Science and Maths teacher, Jorja has extensive experience within classroom practice as well as strong theoretical knowledge of STEM practices and programs. She currently undertaking her PhD in these fields.

  • Janine Meadley is a Research Assistant in the School of Education at Deakin University. She is working as the Partnerships Manager of the Girls as Leaders in STEM ‘GALS’ project, focusing on connecting participants in the program with STEM industry professionals and community organisations. Janine has had a diverse career in education, which includes classroom teaching, designing innovative education resources for real-world learning and researching and supporting the preparation of talent for Principalship. She initially studied Performing Arts and is also a qualified counsellor.

  • Coral Campbell is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Deakin University. Involved in industry, school and tertiary education for many years, Coral brings these experiences together to inform her work in teacher education and research. Coral’s teaching and research interests target developing practitioner learning and students’ understandings, with a focus in the STEM areas. She has worked closely with teachers in the development of science and STEM learning through large DET funded initiatives and is currently involved in leading several nationally-funded projects related to science and STEM.