6th Issue

MAGNIFY

December 2022

MAGNIFY –

6th Issue

This edition of MAGNIFY marks the end of 2022, a special year for both MAGNIFY and STEM Sisters. We speak to Syeda Umama Mehreen about her PhD research in Materials Engineering at the University of Queensland. The science of Botanical dyeing is highlighted in the arts corner. We have two Big Sister STEM stories one from academia and the other from the industry where we explore applied nanotechnology Scientist, Dr Sampa Sarkar from RMIT university and STEM communication superstar Dr Shaz Sivanesan who transitioned from academia to industry.

Shejuti Shabnam and Jenny Nguyen are exemplary volunteers who are celebrated in this issue. Mrunmayi Patil also shares her inspirational story as part of the International to Local segment. We also take you on a journey to learn about Sri Lankan culture, which is very much an important culture that has contributed to the multicultural mixing pot of Australia! You can also learn the secrets behind bringing balance to your life, by focussing on the things that really matter from Brenda Denbesten. You can find all this and more in the 6th issue of MAGNIFY

Editorial

It’s been a big year for STEM Sisters, our women of colour in the STEM community, and significantly to MAGNIFY.

Being on an entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges. Still, it’s important to acknowledge just how far we’ve come and celebrate the successes along the way and here are some of our big wins this year…

As the founder of STEM Sisters, Im proud of what we have achieved, especially for MAGNIFY for receiving state recognition in media for spotlighting WoC in STEM.

From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you for being a dedicated reader. This year would not have been possible without you. I am also incredibly grateful to the MAGNIFY CONTRIBUTORS, who work tirelessly to bring you this publication.

I’m genuinely excited about the future of MAGNIFY, as we now have a dedicated website and social media channels to amplify our sisters’ stories, and I believe the best is yet to come. May the coming year be full of grand adventures and opportunities.

Happy New Year!

Dr Ruwangi Fernando

STEM Sisters – Founder and Director

MAGNIFY – Editor-in-Chief