Technically Possible 05. You can’t be what you can’t see
Jun 22, 2021
In this enlightening discussion, Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist and first female in her role, alongside Deborah Jeppesen, a pioneering female pilot and psychologist at Thales Australia, share their journeys breaking barriers in STEM. They delve into the underrepresentation of women in Defence and engineering, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and support networks. The conversation highlights personal stories of resilience, the importance of visibility, and strategic initiatives needed to encourage future generations of women in science and technology.
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Tanya's Experience as First Woman Professor
- Tanya Monro felt the strangeness of being the first woman professor of physics in 120 years at University of Adelaide.
- She was daily reminded of being 'other' by a wall of photos featuring only male professors.
Deborah's Trailblazing Flight
- Deborah Jeppesen was among the first two female pilots in the Royal Australian Air Force in the late 1980s.
- She faced constant pressure to outperform male colleagues and prove her capabilities.
Family Support Sparks STEM Passion
- Jackie, a young engineer, was nurtured by her family's encouragement in building and fixing things like model planes and motorbikes.
- Being the 'son dad never got' fostered her passion for STEM activities from a young age.