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Ep 8: Discovering yourself as a working mum in science | Dr Charis Teh

CALD Voices in STEM

Release Date: 04/28/2024

Ep 20: Thriving in Tech Without Coding with Diana Malcomess show art Ep 20: Thriving in Tech Without Coding with Diana Malcomess

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Diana Malcomess has vast experience in technology consulting, whose career exemplifies the power of curiosity and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.  Currently serving as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Diana brings a wealth of global experience and cultural diversity with a background spanning three countries, including Partner in Digital & Emerging Technology at Ernst & Young (EY) and a significant tenure in New York with a leading tech company. Diana embodies leadership through action, emphasizing the power of example over words. Diana...

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Ep 19: Unlocking Transferable Skills: Moving From Lab Science To Policy With Dr Supre Ponnappa show art Ep 19: Unlocking Transferable Skills: Moving From Lab Science To Policy With Dr Supre Ponnappa

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Dr. Supre Ponnappa is a distinguished materials scientist who holds a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology. With a stellar academic background, she secured a gold medal in her engineering master's program and was recognized with the Higher Achiever Award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on developing a scalable biosensing platform utilizing polymer materials. Dr. Ponnappa’s career trajectory spans across scientific evaluation, industrial research, economic analysis, and policy development with experience in several...

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Ep 18: Leading with Grace: Becoming an authentic leader in STEM with Professor Dipti Talaulikar show art Ep 18: Leading with Grace: Becoming an authentic leader in STEM with Professor Dipti Talaulikar

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Professor Dipti Talaulikar is a renowned clinical and laboratory haematologist at Canberra Health Services, having contributed to the field for over two decades. Originally from India, she holds the distinction of being the first woman in the nation to receive a Doctorate of Medicine in Haematology. Professor Talaulikar is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU), where she is a professor at the College of Health and Medicine. Her accolades include fellowships from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Royal Australasian College of...

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Ep 17: Helping Communities to Innovate Against Climate Challenges with Dr Aparna Lal show art Ep 17: Helping Communities to Innovate Against Climate Challenges with Dr Aparna Lal

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Dr. Aparna Lal is an Associate Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU). Her interdisciplinary research background spans environmental science, wildlife ecology, and public health. Notably recognized as the 2020 Young Tall Poppy of the Year and the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, Dr. Lal recently received the 2024 Tony Ayers Prize for Excellence in Research in Translational Medicine. Her passion lies in addressing issues related to access to clean water and...

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Ep 16: Navigating the Commercial World in STEM with Nadine Najmeddine show art Ep 16: Navigating the Commercial World in STEM with Nadine Najmeddine

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest: Nadine Najmeddine is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in scientific sales and channel management. She holds a Master of Biological Sciences from The Australian National University, a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Medical Science from Northern Lebanon University.  Currently, Nadine works as a Channel Management Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific ANZ, where she excels in fostering client relationships and driving business growth. Recognized for her achievements, she received the "Rookie of the Year"...

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Ep 15: Economics and STEM: How Economic Modelling Can Help Non-Profit Organisations show art Ep 15: Economics and STEM: How Economic Modelling Can Help Non-Profit Organisations

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest Dr. Madhumita Iyengar is an economist by profession, advocate for women’s empowerment, and community leader. She has a PhD in Economic Modelling from Queensland University of Technology and specialises in Economic evaluation of policies and programs, Impacts analysis, policy and program development and review. She is the Founder Chair of Initiatives for Women in Need (IWiN) and Chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF), the peak body representing 110+ member organisations in the ACT. She has also served on various community boards, including Canberra Women...

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Ep 14: Overcoming Stereotypes: How to Thrive in a Male-Dominated Industry like Geophysics show art Ep 14: Overcoming Stereotypes: How to Thrive in a Male-Dominated Industry like Geophysics

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest Dr Yvette Poudjom Djomani is a senior geophysicist at Geoscience Australia, Canberra, with over 25 years of experience in geophysical data processing, visualisation and interpretation. Her work supports mineral and energy investment attraction for Australia. She also holds an MBA in general administration and brings a holistic perspective on leadership, human resources and managing change.  In her roles as Treasurer of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG), member of the Gender Equity Network at Geoscience Australia (GENGA) and her passion for STEM,...

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Ep 13: Empowering Youth: Ananya Banerjee's Journey in STEM and Activism show art Ep 13: Empowering Youth: Ananya Banerjee's Journey in STEM and Activism

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest Ananya Banerjee is the Director of Sarth, a youth-led NGO with 640+ youth volunteers from across India working towards building awareness on issues of mental health, menstrual hygiene, and gender. She is the founder of ‘Abhivyakti’, a mental health project at Sarthi, and the co-founder of ‘Sushiksha’, a chain of free weekend schools in rural India, and ‘Buland’, a menstrual health project.   She is currently in her third year studying a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the Australian National University (ANU) on the Chancellor’s International Scholarship....

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Ep 12: From Academia to Industry to Government: Lessons from a Mum in Science show art Ep 12: From Academia to Industry to Government: Lessons from a Mum in Science

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest Dr. Munazza Imran is a distinguished alumna of ANU, bringing forth more than two decades of invaluable experience in Life Sciences, which includes an extensive background in education. She previously served as an Assistant Professor specializing in microbiology at a public sector university in her native country Pakistan, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with the next generation. In 2014 Dr. Munazza won two very prestigious scholarships to fully fund her doctoral studies at the Australian National University (ANU). She started her PhD with two little girls (1 year...

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Ep 11: From Office Assistant to Senior Executive: A Data Journey Story show art Ep 11: From Office Assistant to Senior Executive: A Data Journey Story

CALD Voices in STEM

About the Guest Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data analytics, her mentoring, and her dedication to innovation and excellence. Prior to working for the ANAO, Xiaoyan dedicated 11 years to the Australian Sports Commission, where she led data-driven...

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About the guest

Dr. Charis Teh is a cancer and immunology researcher based in Australia. She holds a PhD from ANU, a Master in Public Health from the University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Science Honours from ANU. Dr. Teh is currently a Victorian Cancer Agency Mid-Career Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Her work focuses on developing and improving life-saving cancer immunotherapy strategies using preclinical models and cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Teh is also a mother to two young daughters and is passionate about creating a healthier future for the next generation. She has been recognized for her advocacy for women in STEM disciplines and has received awards such as Superstar of STEM and 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australian Awards. Dr. Teh actively partners with local schools to deliver science activities in the classroom and runs scientific discovery tours to encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers.

 

Summary

In this episode of "CALD Voices in STEM," host Dr. Chloe Lim interviews Dr. Charis Teh, a cancer and immunology researcher in Australia. Dr. Teh shares her journey in STEM, from discovering her passion for science during her undergraduate studies to her current work in cancer immunotherapy. She discusses the challenges she has faced as a mother and a woman in STEM, including self-doubt and cultural expectations. Dr. Teh emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and building a supportive community in order to overcome these challenges. She also highlights the need for a shift in the traditional view of leadership in STEM towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Dr. Charis Teh's interest in health and disease was sparked by growing up in Malaysia, where she witnessed the impact of infectious diseases on her community.
  • Dr. Teh's experience at Stanford University on a Fulbright scholarship was a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to learn cutting-edge technology and experience the vibrant startup culture in Silicon Valley.
  • As a mother returning to work after maternity leave, Dr. Teh faced challenges in balancing her roles as a scientist and a parent. She emphasizes the importance of finding support and being open about the struggles faced by working mothers.

 

Find out more

 

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