Four Curtin researchers have been recognised among Australia\u2019s future science leaders at the Western Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, for excellence in research and communicating science beyond the walls of the laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brain injury trauma researcher Dr Sarah Hellewell, geoscientist Dr Hugo Olierook, 3D underwater imaging engineer Associate Professor Andrew Woods and digital marketing Associate Professor Mingming Cheng have been named winners in the Australian Institute of Policy and Science\u2019s 2023 awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emerging leaders in their fields have been recognised for their activities in inspiring science in school students and teachers, as well as promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of science in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Â鶹ֱ²¥ Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Curtin\u2019s Young Tall Poppies on being honoured for their significant contribution early in their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to see Curtin\u2019s researchers recognised for their achievements and contribution to science across such a diverse and interesting range of academic disciplines,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese awards are widely considered to be an early indicator of Australia\u2019s future scientific leaders, identifying excellent early career scientists.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The four Â鶹ֱ²¥ winners are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Sarah Hellewell<\/strong> is one of Perth\u2019s leading experts in traumatic brain injuries, and she is in the top 0.3 per cent of international leaders on the topic. She is developing and applying new tools to examine changes in brain structure and function after injury from the whole brain to an individual cell level. With this new understanding of brain pathology, Dr Hellewell is leading the design and testing of new treatments to lessen or reverse the damage. She is a regular media commentator and her recent articles published in The Conversation, have reached more than half a million readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Hugo Olierook<\/strong> is a geoscientist from Curtin\u2019s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the John de Laeter Centre. His research is informing policymakers on ways to prevent future climate change. His techniques are also assisting the mining industry in sourcing sustainable metals like copper and lithium, for wind turbines and electric cars. Dr Olierook is empowering the next generation of geoscientists through his leadership in taking Curtin\u2019s educational program GeoOutreach to WA\u2019s schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Associate Professor Andrew Woods<\/strong> is an early career researcher and engineer developing new underwater imaging and 3D reconstruction methods for maritime archaeology within Curtin\u2019s HIVE (Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch) visualisation facility. He is also leading the development of deep-water 3D imaging systems and bringing lost maritime archaeology to life in visual 3D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Associate Professor Mingming Cheng<\/strong> is a highly cited digital marketing researcher, specialising in social media analytics and tourism from Curtin\u2019s School of Management and Marketing. He is listed among Australia\u2019s top 40 young rising stars of research and ABC Top 5 (Humanities). Associate Professor Cheng leads the social media research lab at Curtin and has developed customised workshops on social media marketing for high schools, government agencies and community leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a ceremony to be held later this year, one overall state winner will be named the 2023 Western Australian Young Tall Poppy of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n