Molecules to machines - Chemistry's links to careers in STEM

The panel explores how the fundamental science of chemistry serves as a bridge between microscopic molecules and complex industrial machinery. They discuss diverse career trajectories, from designing life-saving medical diagnostics tools to optimising global mining operations, and how chemistry underpins sustainability and innovation across the globe.

Host: Dr. Alejandra Fernandez (Science & Technology Policy Analyst at ATSE)

Moderator: Professor Michael Breadmore FTSE (Professor at University of Tasmania)

Guests:

• Dr Armineh Hassanvand - Senior Research Engineer at Orica
• Vanessa Yolanda - Minesite Projects Coordinator & Elevate Scholar

Key Discussion Points

1. Non-linear career paths

• Michael [10:30]
• Armineh [12:33]
• Vanessa [28:20]

2. Scaling STEM from the lab to global industry

• The fascinating technical link between the chemistry of chocolate emulsions and explosives used in mining [16:38].
• The thrill of "discovery" - creating something never reported in literature [10:13].
• The critical role of chemistry in exploring in-ground valuable minerals from the air [25:41].

3. The future of resource recovery

• In-place recovery (www.orica.com/Products-Services/mining-services/in-place-recovery) [18:27].
• Extractive metallurgy [21:50].

4. Advice for students & early Careers

• The "no dumb questions" rule and emphasising curiosity [04:45].
• Importance of soft skills that can transfer between careers [19:48].
• Location is not a barrier with digital connectivity [39:19].

Notable Quotes

"Chemistry is the foundation of energy, manufacturing, and health. It’s the science that will interface humans with artificial intelligence and molecular machines in the very near future." - Professor Michael Breadmore

"Your career is never a straight ladder; it’s more like a hiking trail. Sometimes you feel lost and need a GPS, but other times you reach moments that are just truly scenic." - Dr Armineh Hassanvand

Useful links

• STELR Program (www.stelr.org.au): Hands-on curriculum resources for teachers and students.
• Elevate Scholarship (atse.org.au/elevate): A leadership scholarship supporting women in STEM, which Vanessa currently holds.
• IMNIS Program (www.imnis.org.au): An industry mentoring network for PhD students.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOpfn2l_z84