The National Science Week – Careers in STEM Webinar provides an opportunity to chat with some of our STEM superheros about their career journey and explore the subjects that have opened up these amazing pathways!

With secondary school subject selections happening now, and university open days coming up, join us for a topical deep dive into the wonderful world of STEM careers!

Panellists

Meet our panellists below:

James Allen

James Allen is a professional futurist and strategist. After graduating from an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (History/Politics) degree, James completed a Masters in conflict and security studies, and then spent the formative years of his career as an intelligence analyst in Australia's national intelligence community.

Joining the water sector in 2018, James adapted his analytical tradecraft to the world of corporate strategic foresight.

Today, as a futurist, James uses techniques like horizon scanning, trend analysis and scenario planning to help people and organisations like Melbourne Water to anticipate and make wiser decisions about our shared futures.

Kinjia Munkara-Murray

Kinjia is a Tiwi and Rembarrnga woman with a passion for science, ecology, and all things to do with insects. Kinjia channelled this passion into completing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Zoology, followed by a Master of Bioscience, at the University of Melbourne.

Kinjia has studied the connection between insects and Country on the Tiwi Islands and has worked as an aquatic ecologist investigating the health of waterways throughout Melbourne. In her role at Melbourne Water, Kinjia works with Traditional Owners to apply both Indigenous and Western methods of scientific practice in waterway management.

Dr Melita Stevens

Dr Melita Stevens is a public health microbiologist and is the Principal Scientist at Melbourne Water. She has an undergraduate degree in Medical Microbiology and a PhD in Agricultural Microbiology from the University of Sydney. During her time at Melbourne Water, Melita has worked mostly in the drinking water area, but also across the business on public health issues.

Melita has supported the water industry by contributing to Australian and WHO guidelines for drinking water and recycled water and she sits on a number of committees to help water utilities understand their risks.

Melita wants students to know that a career in the water industry can be many different things, not dull (always) and can lead to many opportunities.

James Frazer

James is Environmental Water Delivery Lead at Melbourne Water, in the Water Resources and Compliance Team.

In this role he is responsible for coordinating the delivery of water for the environment to support the ecological health of Melbourne’s rivers and wetlands.

James has degrees in social sciences and environmental management. His career has included roles in the public, private and not-for-profit community sector, working across a range of biodiversity conservation fields including natural resource management, ecological surveys, threatened species management and community engagement.