63rd ASMR National Scientific Conference: professional development workshops

As part of the 63rd ASMR National Scientific Conference we are pleased to be providing two professional development workshops. 
 
Focusing on alternative career pathways and multidisciplinary research, the workshops will involve panel discussions and an provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. 
 
The workshops are part of the conference – there is no need to register and there is no additional fee for attending the workshops. 

Workshop 1: Multidisciplinary research
When: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM, 21 October 2024 

What: Join us for an inspiring workshop on multidisciplinary research designed for science and research professionals eager to collaborate across fields. Explore how combining expertise from diverse disciplines leads to innovative solutions and groundbreaking discoveries. Whether you’re looking to expand your research impact or explore new collaborations, this session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and valuable networking opportunities to help you thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Speakers:  

• Dr Kathy Nicholson 
• Professor Mark Hutchinson 

Workshop 2: Alternative career pathways
When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 22 October 2024

What: Are you a science or research professional considering a career beyond the traditional academic path? Join us for an insightful workshop featuring a diverse panel of experts who have successfully transitioned into alternative fields. From industry roles to entrepreneurship and science communication, discover how to leverage your skills and passion in exciting new directions. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a change, this session offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to help you navigate the next step in your career journey! 

Speakers: 

• Dr Tullio Rossi
• Dr Brooke Dilmetz
• Dr Nerissa Lakhan 

About the speakers

Dr Kathy Nicholson
Institute Manager, Australian Institute for Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide 

Dr Kathy Nicholson is an accomplished STEM professional with a remarkable career spanning almost 20 years in leadership positions in both Australia and the United States. Currently, she serves as the Institute Manager at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide, while also holding influential roles as a Board Director and Policy Chair for Science Technology Australia. With a deep commitment to supporting STEM professionals throughout their careers, Kathy actively mentors aspiring scientists through the ATSE IMNIS program. 

Kathy’s leadership journey includes holding key positions at prestigious institutions such as the New York Academy of Sciences, RiAus Australia, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics. She possesses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals within the STEM community and tirelessly works to amplify their remarkable scientific achievements while advocating for positive policy changes. 

With a PhD in Microbiology from Monash University, Kathy has a solid foundation in scientific research. Throughout her career, she has expanded her science communication expertise to various scientific disciplines, including biophotonics and machine learning. Furthermore, Kathy is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge in corporate governance and strategic decision-making. 

Kathy’s proficiency extends across diverse areas of business, encompassing governance, communication, policy, engagement, strategy, risk management and diversity initiatives. Her extensive experience, coupled with her passion for science and unwavering dedication to supporting the STEM community, allows her to make a significant impact in advancing scientific research and fostering a thriving scientific ecosystem. 

Professor Mark Hutchinson 
Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide 

Professor Mark Hutchinson has been recently appointed as the Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. As a Professor of Biomedicine and lead of the neuroimmunopharmacology laboratory at the University of Adelaide, Professor Hutchinson has a strong record of leadership of successful teams. His expertise spans diverse basic science methods for human and animal research, including biomarker identification, multiomics and complex data analytics. He has a strong record of engagement with consumers and industry and an advocacy for their involvement in research. Professor Hutchinson has a strong record of commercial translation between basic science and knowledge utilisation. 

Professor Hutchinson has diverse leadership and ministerial appointments, including being a member of the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, President of the Science and Technology Australia, member of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Legislative Review, the ARC CEO Advisory Council, and the Australian Economic Accelerator Board. He also serves as the chair of the Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement Alliance and is the chair of the Australian Pain Solutions Research Alliance board. 

His exceptional leadership of the program of research has been recognised with multiple awards: 2024 Eureka Prize Finalist for Leadership in Science, 2022 Inaugural Coppoc ONE Health Lecture, College of Veterinary Med, Kansas State Uni; 2019 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – A Culture Of Impact, Uni Adelaide; 2015 James McWha Award of Excellence, Uni Adelaide; 2013 Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society, Robert Ader Young Investigator Award. 

Dr Tullio Rossi
Director, Animate Your Science

Dr Tullio Rossi is an award-winning science communicator, marine biologist and graphic designer. As founder of the science communication agency “Animate Your Science”, he helps researchers tell their story to the world. His engaging video animations and eye-catching graphics make science understandable for everyone, reaching millions of people around the world, thereby creating a real-life impact.

Dr Brooke Dilmetz
Research scientist, GPN vaccines

Brooke completed her PhD at the University of South Australia. Her PhD was an industry-based project with a commercial brewery that used mass spectrometry to improve understanding of yeast in brewing processes. Brooke has worked in the Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics facility for Bioplatforms Australia, which provides analytical services for industry and academia. She now works as a research scientist at a biotechnology company, GPN vaccines, focussing on immunoassay method development for clinical vaccine development.

Dr Nerissa Lakhan
Clinical Project Manager, CMAX Clinical Research 

Dr Nerissa Lakhan is Clinical Project Manager who started her career in the field of paediatric vaccine research at the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit. She completed her PhD in Medicine at the University of Adelaide looking at developing immunotherapies for neonatal sepsis and associated neuroinflammation with the Robinson Research Institute. Nerissa moved into the clinical trial space at one of Australia’s largest and most experienced phase I and II clinical trial centres, CMAX Clinical Research. She has managed trials across a range of therapeutic areas and holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in early phase clinical trials.