1 October 2025
The Territory's 2025 Superstar of STEM and molecular biosecurity scientist, Dr Sonu Yadav, and molecular scientist Dr Asha Tonkin-Reeves have delivered more than 25 hands-on science workshops across 18 schools in far north Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory as part of the Community Science Project.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy (NABS), the project works with remote schools and Indigenous communities to:
Build awareness of molecular science, technology and biosecuritySupport pest species detection through molecular data collection; andStrengthen long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities through two-way learning.
Dr Tonkin-Reeves said, "Strong biosecurity protects Australia's agriculture and livestock industries, the environment, and, by extension, the nation's economy, culture, and way of life from the threat of harmful organisms."
Dr Yadav added "With biosecurity threats increasing due to global travel and trade, prevention and eradicating these threats is everyone's responsibility. Collaborative, informed, and engaged communities are critical to monitoring and surveillance activities and support early detection of harmful pests and pathogens."
Workshops are tailored to each community. At Purnululu School in WA, students set their own insect traps, observed insects under microscopes, learned how DNA makes up all living things, and used equipment to extract and visualize DNA - giving them a close-up look at otherwise invisible DNA.
On the Tiwi Islands, students at Xavier Catholic College in Wurrumiyanga learned how molecular biology is used to identify insects harmful to native plants and animals. With the help of Rangers and Elders, they trapped insects, observed them under microscopes, and extracted DNA, transferring the mixture to agarose gel. The size of the DNA in the gel can indicate whether an insect is native or a pest.
This month Dr Yadav and Dr Tonkin-Reeves will head to Central Australia to continue delivering science engagement and biosecurity workshops in remote schools and communities.
"Each school visit has been unique, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers, Elders, and Ranger groups. Students are inspired to become scientists and eager to learn more about invasive species," Dr Yadav said.
