Three QUT researchers working in the fields of environmental management, tissue engineering and sustainability are among the outstanding early-to-mid-career scientists recognised in the 2024 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.
The awards, which honour Dr Brooke Williams, Dr Angela Guerrero and Dr Naomi Paxton as scientists as well as highly engaged STEM advocates, were presented last night (August 15) at an event held at QUT.
Sixteen researchers received awards, with UQ immunotherapist and extracellular vesicle researcher Associate Professor Joy Wolfram named the 2024 Queensland Young Tall Poppy of the Year.
Dr Brooke Williams, a research fellow with the School of Biology & Environmental Science uses spatial information on biodiversity, ecosystem services (the benefits people derive from nature – such as carbon sequestration), and human activities to develop innovative tools and metrics to better inform decision makers on the outcomes of broadscale environmental policies and markets.
Her work made headlines in 2020 when she revealed 1.9 million km2 - an area approximately the size of Mexico - of land relatively free of human disturbance became highly modified by industrial level human pressures, and again in 2022 when she highlighted just 15.5 per cent of coastal regions globally were in good condition.
“This is a great honour and reinforces my dedication to advancing our knowledge of humanity’s influence on ecosystems on a global scale and to finding solutions to empower communities to carry out their own conservation actions in challenging contexts,” Dr Williams said.
“I am a great believer in collaborating with non-academic counterparts, which has led to a rich network of conservation practitioners and land managers across multiple continents.”
Dr Angela Guerrero is a sustainability scientist and DECRA Research Fellow with the School of Architecture & Built Environment who combines social, ecological, and institutional data to identify the gaps and opportunities in our environmental planning systems.
Her current research examines how farmers’ social relationships and connections to the environment support practices that reduce water pollution. This work informs programs aimed at improving water quality entering into the Great Barrier Reef and the health of coral ecosystems.
“I strongly believe that protecting our natural environment requires understanding not only how ecosystems function, but also how people think and make decisions about them,” Dr Guerrero said.
“Humans are intrinsically linked to ecosystems, so solving our most pressing environmental problems requires integrating STEM with the social sciences My work integrates theories from sociology with ecological knowledge. Using this approach I have shown that planning systems designed to align with connections in ecological systems can significantly improve environmental outcomes.”
“Receiving this award has reinforced my commitment to enhancing our planning systems so that we can effectively protect our natural environment.”
Dr Naomi Paxton, from the School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, is a senior Research Fellow in the field of biofabrication and 3D printing, and leader of the Bioinspired Additive Manufacturing group.
Dr Paxton’s vision is to ensure 3D printing technology of human body parts is available across Australia, from rural and remote medical centres to the large inner-city hospitals, so everyone can have access to life-changing solutions.
Dr Paxton uses advanced medical 3D printers to create tissue engineered replacements to help treat patients suffering from tissue loss because of injuries or disease.
“I engineer these 3D printed implants, called ‘scaffolds’, to have the same mechanical properties as native biological tissues and use biodegradable materials so the scaffolds can host tissue regeneration and then naturally degrade into the body,” Dr Paxton said.
“We are currently addressing the treatment of microtia, a congenital condition characterised by the malformation of the external ear. Children with microtia can undergo a surgical reconstruction but existing products come in just one standard shape, and are extremely stiff, breaking through the skin in up to five per cent of cases.
“So, I am creating patient-specific, biomimetic scaffolds that perfectly match the unique geometry and flexibility of each patient’s ears. I am also working to expand the use of these scaffolds to broader craniofacial applications where patient specificity is vital for successful aesthetic outcomes.”
The annual Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are hosted by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) in partnership with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.
The awards recognise and celebrate researchers who demonstrate world-class scientific excellence combined with a unique passion for science communication, which can inspire young people to enter STEM study and careers.
The awards are held on a state-by-state basis to celebrate researchers across all areas of science.
Main image: Dr Brooke Williams, Dr Angela Guerrero and Dr Naomi Paxton. Photo: Anthony Weate, QUT
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 3151, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
