Strategic Leadership
Proven ability in developing and executing strategic plans that align with organisational goals and objectives, with a deep understanding of both external environments and internal strengths to foster sustainable growth.
Collaboration & Partnership
Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a proven track record in fostering and sustaining relationships across industry partners, academia, and interdisciplinary teams, promoting collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange.
Innovation & Adaptability
Adept at introducing innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency, adapt to changing circumstances, and pivot towards new opportunities.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Skilled in leveraging data analytics to drive informed decision-making, enabling evidence-based refinements to programs and initiatives.
Team Empowerment
Experience in developing a culture of autonomy and empowerment within teams, resulting in increased motivation and higher productivity.
COO, FLEET ARC Centre of Excellence, 2017-2024
As chief operating officer of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies, I was instrumental in driving both its financial prosperity and operational excellence, ensuring the successful attainment of its strategic objectives. I led the FLEET business team, orchestrating a wide range of activities that were vital in formulating and executing these goals. This involved close collaboration with a team of exceptional scientists and enthusiastic students, all united by a shared commitment to uncovering innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing energy challenges of our time. Through this synergy, we not only advanced the centre's mission but also contributed significantly to the broader field of sustainable energy research.
Centre manager, MCATM, 2015-2016
The Monash Centre for Atomically Thin Materials, a pioneering collaboration between the Science and Engineering faculties at Monash University, was the first of its kind in Australia. MCATM served as a multidisciplinary and international hub for research excellence in innovative 2-D materials, uniting world-class expertise from Monash and collaborating with national and international partners, as well as industry leaders.
Academic, Melbourne University, 2006-2014
A research scientist in the School of Chemistry at The University of Melbourne, with a specialised focus on the dynamic fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. My research centered around the innovative fabrication of quantum dots, which were nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique optical and electronic properties. I aimed to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that harnessed the potential of nanomaterials to address complex scientific and technological challenges.
Inspiring leaders of tomorrow
Highlighted in The Age newspaper, I was acknowledged as one of the three trailblazing Australian women making remarkable progress in inspiring young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Our initiatives not only promote gender equity but also cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity among young women, empowering them to explore and excel in STEM fields.
COO of FLEET
A chat with AVID Research. We talked about being involved in setting up an Australian Research Council centre of excellence and the exciting work that's happening in low-energy electronics.
STEM women
In a conversation with STEM Women, I explored the factors and experiences that inspired my career in science, academia, and research management. I discussed pivotal moments and influential figures that sparked my interest, along with the challenges and triumphs I faced. The dialogue emphasised mentorship, the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction of contributing to knowledge and innovation.
STEM equity monitor
An initiative by the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources seeks to explore and analyze data on women and girls in STEM fields across Australia. The article recounts my personal journey from being the descendant of a refugee from post-war Vietnam to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of a national research centre focused on addressing Australia's key priorities in energy and sustainability.
She did what? The GiST
Women are under-represented in STEM success stories and The GiST asked students to create a short video about the achievements of Australian women in STEM. Whitney, a Year 5 student from WA, selected me to be the focus of her video.
Supporting future science leaders
Spearheaded the program with Women and Leadership Australia to support women in FLEET working towards both of these goals, providing an environment in which early-career women can thrive, progress and grow into capable and confident leaders.