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Engaging students to communicate and lead a sustainable future

WHO?

We are a group of educators from Swinburne University working in collaboration with industry partners to equip students with essential skills for the future.

About Us

Shaping STEM Futures brings together students, educators, and partners across industry, government, Indigenous, community, and alumni networks to co-create solutions for a sustainable future. Empowering future innovators through real-world learning, creative communication, and collaboration where ideas inspire action and impact.

Our Team

Bita Zaferanloo

Caslon Chua

Irine Runnie Ginjom

Carolyn Beasley

Bita is the Lead of the Shaping STEM Futures program. She is a Senior lecturer in Microbial Biotechnology and Work Integrated Learning at Swinburne University of Technology. 

Caslon is the Department Chair of Computer Science and Software Engineering. He is part of the school of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology.

Irine is a Senior lecturer at the School of Engineering & Science. She is part of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 

Carolyn is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication at Swinburne University of Technology. 

ABOUT US

Our Team

Bita Zaferanloo

Bita is the Lead of the Shaping STEM Futures program. She is a Senior lecturer in Microbial Biotechnology and Work Integrated Learning at Swinburne University of Technology. 

Caslon Chua

Caslon is the Department Chair of Computer Science and Software Engineering. He is part of the school of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology.

Irine Runnie Ginjom

Irine is a Senior lecturer at the School of Engineering & Science. She is part of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 

Carolyn Beasley

Carolyn is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication at Swinburne University of Technology. 

ABOUT US

Our Partners

Our Advisors

Nicola Fish

Manager, WIL Academic Programs, Swinburne Employability

Rowena Ulbrick

Academic Director, Digital Literacies, Education Innovation Exchange

Virginia Kilborn

Swinburne Chief Scientist, Swinburne Research

Alan Duffy

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Flagship Initiatives, Swinburne Research

Prof Ruth Bridgstock

Director of Student Insights and Outcomes, DVC Education, Experience & Employability

Testimonials

“Making my Start Talking presentation made me realize how important digital literacy (producing videos) is in communicating science. This competition also helped me recognize how to translate complex scientific research into something that is useful and digestible to a general audience.”
Rory Elliott
Physics student, S2 2018 – Winner of Start Talking
“I have been fortunate to have Bita Zaferanloo as both my NPS20005 unit teacher and mentor through programs like Start Talking and Design for Change. She is an inspiring and dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to support STEM students. Bita has encouraged me and my peers to pursue science communication and has provided valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals at Swinburne and beyond.”
Georgina Aiuto
Start Talking Winner
“Bita has worked to build the science communication capabilities of science students at Swinburne through her innovative and inclusive programs. Bita helps the students to develop important skills, allowing them to learn and practice science communication with peers and mentors, equipping them for their future careers.”
Professor Virginia Kilborn
Chief Scientist at Swinburne