HunterWISE
Professor Anna Giacomini is a shining example of a woman succeeding in STEM. Recently elected as a Fellow to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), she is the Director of the University of Newcastle’s Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering as well as the recipient of the NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering.
Professor Giacomini has spent two decades improving safety through her extensive study of rock mechanics and rockfall analysis, and in 2017 co-founded the initiative HunterWiSE to provide more opportunities for women and girls in STEM.
Professor Anna Giacomini.
Inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders
The HunterWiSE Schools Outreach Program champions careers in STEM for young women in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.
It facilitates opportunities for students to meet women in STEM careers through networking events and innovative programs.
Professor Giacomini co-founded the initiative alongside six other successful and passionate female academics at the University of Newcastle.
Since 2017, more than 500 students from 18 high schools have been involved in the outreach program, and 86 female university students have been employed as mentors.
Glencore has supported the HunterWiSE program since it began, investing more $235,000 to ensure local schools have access to this fantastic initiative.
Glencore Coal’s Community Relations Coordinator, Tracey Snedden, with students at a HunterWiSE graduation ceremony.
“It’s fantastic to see our HunterWiSE Outreach Program grow each year, with more schools and more industry partners seeing value in supporting the next generation of women in STEM,” Professor Giacomini said.
“The delivery of the HunterWiSE Outreach Program would not be possible without the generosity of our industry partners, including Glencore, and we are very excited to continue to work together on this important initiative.”
Showcasing careers in mining
Part of Glencore’s involvement in HunterWiSE is facilitating mine tours for students so they can experience what it’s like to have a career in STEM in the resources industry.
Mine tour at United Wambo Joint Venture.
Glencore Coal’s Community Relations Coordinator, Tracey Snedden, said:
“It’s a privilege to be able to show young women what we do at Glencore and the exciting STEM career opportunities that exist in our region. HunterWiSE is an important initiative that nurtures and leads the way for women and girls and we are proud to be part of that."