WA Science Awards finalists announced

The WA Science Awards finalists have been announced by the Department of Commerce.

Scientist of the Year - $50,000
 
Professor Sarah Dunlop - Principal Research Fellow, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Winthrop Research Professor, The University of Western Australia
 
Professor Dunlop has exerted great influence on premature baby survival, spinal cord injury recovery and overcoming the cycle of drug seeking behaviours. Her wide-ranging research has led to major discoveries that have changed medical practices in these fields around the world.
 
Professor Richard Hobbs - Professor of Restoration Ecology, The University of Western Australia and Australian Laureate Fellow, the Australian Research Council
 
Professor Hobbs is a distinguished ecologist whose research results have laid the foundation for important developments in our understanding of the conservation of ecosystems and landscapes, the management of invasive species and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
 
Professor Mark Randolph - Professor of Civil Engineering, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The University of Western Australia and Director of Advanced Geomechanics
 
Professor Randolph is a distinguished geotechnical engineer whose research is instrumental in developing and translating geotechnical engineering expertise into workable solutions for both the local and international offshore oil and gas industry.
 
Early Career Scientist of the Year - $10,000
 
Dr Daniel Galvao - Director, Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University
 
Dr Galvao leads Edith Cowan University’s research team in exercise and prostate cancer. His research in the field of exercise oncology, particularly related to exercise prescription during and following treatment, is benefiting cancer survivors nationally.
 
Associate Professor Meri Tulic - Research Associate Professor, Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Western Australia
 
A/Professor Tulic is internationally renowned for her research in innate immune function and its regulation in health and disease. She has led numerous projects looking at ways to help prevent the development of allergic disease later in life.
 
Professor David White - Australian Research Council Future Fellow and Professor, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The University of Western Australia
 
Professor White is a geotechnical engineer who is pioneering a new field of research into the behaviour of shallow seabed sediments. Results from his research are now used to assess the stability of all major pipelines currently being designed to tap Australia’s offshore gas resources.
 
Science Communication Initiative of the Year - $10,000
 
Curtin University Science Outreach Program - School of Science, Curtin University
 
In the last 18 months, this program has engaged more than 20,000 participants, including school students and the general public, in real-life science activities, including festivals and hands-on science laboratory sessions. The program also offers metropolitan and regional school incursions by science experts.
 
Earth Science WA (ESWA) - The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, CSIRO and the WA Museum
 
ESWA seeks to increase community awareness of issues such as resource sustainability, groundwater and climate change. The program’s work to raise the profile of geoscience in the State’s education systems has resulted in a 17-fold increase in the number of upper school students undertaking studies in earth science.
 
Farm Business Resilience Program (FBR) - The Department of Agriculture and Food, Curtin University and the Western Australia Rural Business Development Corporation
 
FBR’s unique program has assisted WA-based farming businesses to update their farming practices to better prepare them for drought, climate variability and other external factors impacting the sector.
 
Science / Mathematics Educator of the Year: Secondary - $10,000
 
Mr Heath Dullard - L3 Science teacher, Pinjarra Senior High School
 
Mr Dullard is committed to ensuring students in his regional school have similar enrichment opportunities to their metropolitan counterparts. He also initiated Pinjarra Senior High School’s involvement in the Thinking Science Program which resulted in the school being selected to run the program’s national pilot.
 
Ms Sonia Hueppauff - L3 Science teacher, Australind Senior High School
 
Ms Hueppauff has implemented and actively developed numerous science extension programs in the school. Through her enthusiasm for science and experience, she has promoted student responsibility, organisational skills and target setting.
 
Miss Chantal Simpson - L3 Science teacher, Ashdale Secondary College
 
Miss Simpson adopts innovative strategies to engage her students, including digital technologies and multiple intelligence activities. Miss Simpson’s imaginative programs encourage her students to test and develop their scientific knowledge through investigation, which also teaches them about informed decision making.
 
Science / Mathematics Educator of the Year: Primary - $10,000
 
Mrs Sherryl Crouch - Specialist Science Teacher, Burrendah Primary School
 
Mrs Crouch provides a wide range of learning experiences for her students to develop an interest in science and a curiosity for learning. Her activities are hands-on and open-ended, providing an excellent opportunity for all children to achieve their highest potential.
 
Mrs Linda Townend - Science Specialist Teacher, Maylands Peninsula Primary
 
Mrs Townend uses innovative strategies including cartoons and puppets to engage her students. She has been acknowledged with awards for her ability to assess and plan for students with different learning styles, needs and cultural backgrounds.

Please click here to view the original press announcement from the Department of Commerce.

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