CSIRO's Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy was created to increase the number of Indigenous women entering Australia's STEM industries, recognising that a diverse workforce strengthens research, innovation and problem‑solving. With three in four future jobs requiring STEM skills, the STEM Academy supports young women to increase their confidence and capability and create clear pathways into STEM careers.
The STEM Academy continues to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women from high school through higher education and into graduate employment. It provides culturally safe, individualised mentoring, STEM experiences and networking opportunities to enable long‑term success in STEM fields.
Here are some of the young Indigenous women from the STEM Academy who are showing up and leading the way in STEM studies and careers in 2026.
Anastasia – Food Scientist
Anastasia is a proud Aboriginal woman with ties to Ngadjuri Country, raised on Dharug and Gundungurra lands. She holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Food Science and Nutrition) and is undertaking a Master of Research. Anastasia was recently awarded the Zonta Club of Nepean Valley Inc. - Western Sydney University STEM Award and the Dr Ashok Kumar Shrestha Prize in Food Science and a spot in COSMOS Magazine's Top 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Leaders. Anastasia combines scientific innovation with Cultural Knowledge through research, community advocacy, and education to create lasting impact.
Anneka – Indigenous Ranger
A proud Palawa woman living and working on Country in lutruwita (Tasmania), Anneka was raised in a small rural town. She is now the first in her family to pursue a STEM degree. With a lifelong passion for wildlife, Anneka works as an Indigenous Ranger, restoring the land from farming to its original state by monitoring the populations of native species and sea country. Anneka is studying a Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation and Biology to care for Country and future generations.
Brodie – STEM university graduate
Guided by a strong connection to Sea Country, Brodie is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with family connections to Saibai Island. She is a graduate of Curtin University in coastal and marine science and environmental management, with experience across reef diving, CSIRO research voyages on the RV Investigator as an Indigenous Time at Sea Scholar, and community marine work. In 2024, she received WA's Indigenous STEM Student of the Year award for her leadership and commitment to giving back to community and Country.
Chloe – STEM university student
Chloe is an Aboriginal woman from the Anaiwan tribe in Northern NSW and is studying mechanical and mechatronics engineering, with a strong interest in robotics and community impact. Chloe has gained international experience by being awarded by the National Indigenous Space Academy with an internship at RAL Space in the UK. Chloe has also undertaken a number of leadership positions including as the President of the University of Technology Sydney's Robotics Society. Chloe is the Founder of OmniYouth+ Robotics to inspire young people through hands-on STEM learning.
Daenah – Civil Engineering student
Daenah is a Walmajarri and Gooniyandi woman from Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is currently a first year Civil Engineering student at Curtin University and loves how interesting and versatile the STEM field is. Daenah is driven by how engineering can be used to improve outcomes for remote Indigenous communities and being a strong role model for her family and community.
Greta – Indigenous Aerospace Engineer
Greta is a proud Indigenous Aerospace Engineer and first-generation graduate from rural Queensland, driven by resilience and a commitment to representation in STEM. Greta holds dual honours degrees in engineering and mathematics from the University of Queensland and works on national-scale defence and space programs. A long-standing participant of CSIRO's Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy, Greta is currently completing a Master of Space Engineering and is an Elevate Scholar with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Greta is passionate about advancing Australia's sovereign space capability and strengthening Indigenous representation within high-technology industries.
Jacinta – STEM university student
A proud Punthamara woman, Jacinta is in her third year of a dual degree in a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Criminology at Griffith University. She is deeply passionate about research and the role it plays in creating real change for communities. Jacinta is currently working with the School of Applied Psychology and also serves as the First Nations Representative on Griffith University's Academic Committee. Beyond her academic and research work, Jacinta is committed to mentoring and supporting young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and hopes to show these students that there is space for them in STEM, research, and leadership spaces.
River – STEM university student
River is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman based in Queensland. She will soon complete her Certificate VI in Youth Work and will be commencing studies in Law and Psychology at Griffith University. River is a domestic violence survivor and deeply passionate about advocacy, social justice, and creating safer, stronger futures for young people. River is motivated by increasing not only Indigenous representation but female representation in education and STEM related pathways. River aims to inspire young people to see their strength, potential, confidence and voice as powerful.
Isabella – STEM high school student
Isabella is a proud member of the Jingili mob and is a high school student in NSW. She has achieved top results and participated in CSIRO programs including the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy and the CSIRO Youth Reference Council. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong passion for STEM and aspires to work in science and communications to support and give back to her community to make sure everyone feels safe, heard and accepted in their spaces.
Scarlett – STEM high school student
A proud Aboriginal woman from the Dharug mob in NSW, Scarlett is a HSC student focusing on biology and other STEM subjects. Scarlett is currently the President of her school's Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. Scarlett has also competed in STEM competitions, gained experience in prosthetics, and aspires to become a doctor to support her community and give back through STEM.
About CSIRO's Indigenous Education Programs
CSIRO is proud to support a range of Indigenous STEM Education initiatives aimed at inspiring Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students across Australia. Programs like the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy , Living STEM and Deadly in Generation STEM are empowering students to thrive in STEM by building on their strengths, leadership, cultural knowledges, and aspirations, while celebrating the enduring value and innovation of Indigenous Knowledge systems.
