On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the remarkable women leading groundbreaking research in the Sustainable Communities and Waste (SCaW) Hub.
These scientists, facilitators and practitioners are shaping the future of waste management, air quality, environmental sustainability and Indigenous engagement in environmental research. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication are instrumental in solving some of Australia’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO
Hub leader Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO is an internationally renowned materials scientist and engineer, and the Director of SMaRT@UNSW. She is best known for her innovative work in sustainable materials and recycling science, particularly through the development of ‘green steel’ and MICROfactories that transform waste into valuable materials. Under her leadership, the SCaW Hub integrates cutting-edge research to support the development of sustainable communities and waste management.
Associate Professor Mandy Downing
Assoc Prof Mandy Downing is a Ngarluma Yindjibarndi woman and is located and was raised on Wadjuk Noongar Boodjar. She is the Dean of Indigenous Futures at Curtin University, ensuring Australia’s Indigenous futures across the nation’s culture and economy are supported and considered. As the Hub's Indigenous Facilitator, Mandy plays a crucial role in ensuring Indigenous perspectives and knowledge are integrated into research initiatives. She fosters culturally appropriate and inclusive approaches, strengthening partnerships between scientists and Indigenous communities.
Dr. Emily Flies
Dr. Emily Flies co-leads the Sustainable People-Environment Interactions (IP1) project within the SCaW Hub and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania. She is an expert on the relationship between nature and health and how nature can help create healthy and sustainable communities. Emily's advocacy for sustainable urban spaces has earned her the Green Gown Award Australasia's Staff Champion for Sustainability.
Dr. Rumana Hossain
Dr. Hossain is a Research Associate at SMART@UNSW with expertise in understanding microplastics (IP2) and supporting the development of innovative recycling technologies. Her research focuses on creating advanced solutions for processing waste materials, helping to drive sustainable development and the circular economy.
Dr. Naomi Boxall
A Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, Dr. Naomi Boxall specialises in environmental health and risk assessment. Her research is dedicated to researching innovation for emerging waste streams, practical application of circular economy principles in Australia and the impact of hazardous chemicals on safe waste reuse. Naomi co-leads the hazardous waste management and pollution (IP3) control strategies.
Dr. Mitzi Bolton
Dr. Bolton is a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University with an interest in how systems leverage points can connect science and policy to create more sustainable futures. She routinely collaborates across disciplines and sectors to produce truly transdisciplinary research. Mitzi is a co-lead on the hazardous waste management (IP3) project.
Dr. Amanda Wheeler
Dr. Amanda Wheeler researches exposures to air pollution and health. Her research activities primarily focus on understanding exposures from biomass emissions and interventions to protect vulnerable populations. She is a Senior Research Scientist within the Environment Unit at CSIRO. Amanda is the co-lead of the Air Quality impact priority (IP4), focusing on air quality affects on remote and Indigenous communities.
Professor Fay Johnston
University of Tasmania Prof Fay Johnston is a public health physician and environmental epidemiologist who heads the environmental health research group at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. She is an expert in environmental health, specialising in the impacts of air pollution on human health. She is a co-lead of the Air Quality (IP4) project.
Dr. Kathryn Emmerson
Dr. Kathryn Emmerson is a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, specialising in atmospheric chemistry and air quality modelling. Her IP4 research plays a vital role in understanding the sources of air pollution and developing mitigation strategies that improve air quality across Australia.
Professor Donna Green
Donna Green is a Professor at the UNSW and an environmental scientist with international recognition for world-leading multidisciplinary applied research on the interconnected human impacts of climate change, energy policy and air pollution. She leads an IP4 project on providing information on low-cost air sensors.
Dr. Anna Kaksonen
A Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Dr. Kaksonen has expertise in industrial biotechnology and environmental engineering. Her research focuses on developing sustainable waste management practices and resource recovery technologies, helping to create circular economy solutions for industries. Anna's IP5 research focused on improving the circularity of waste tyres.
SCaW Women in science are creating a positive impact
The work of these inspiring women in science demonstrates the power of scientific research to drive positive environmental change. Through their leadership, the SCaW Hub is delivering practical, evidence-based solutions that support circular economies, improve air quality and enhance community resilience. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we recognise their achievements and continue to support the next generation of women leading the way in sustainability research.
