Giselle is an Associate Professor in the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney. Her research in the field of stem cell biotechnology aims to understand how stem cells grow and become specialised cells in order to develop new ways of manufacturing these clinically valuable cells. Giselle administers the academic content of the program and oversees the program finances.

Eugenia is the senior science communicator for biology and agriculture at the University of Sydney. She develops, delivers, and evaluates educational and engaging science experiences for high school students and their teachers, with an emphasis on supporting HSC biology and agriculture students to gain access to resources and expertise to improve understanding. Eugenia holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Ecology and Environmental Science, a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication and a Bachelor of Primary Education. She has a wealth of experience in the informal education sector and is passionate about getting students excited about scientific phenomena and creating opportunities for real-world science experiences. Within ABE, Eugenia manages and coordinates all operational aspects of the program, including PDIs, kit loans, evaluations, and reports.

Carol is a molecular microbiologist with a research background in the mobile genetic elements and proteins which drive the spread of antibiotic resistance in many clinically relevant pathogens. She also has extensive experience supporting undergraduate microbiology and biochemistry lab teaching at the University of Sydney. Within ABE, Carol is responsible for the management of the kit loans and the technical aspects of the program.

Mel is a Technical Officer at the University of Sydney’s School of Rural Health, based in Dubbo, Central West NSW. In this role, she works with the Academic and Clinical Skills Educators to support the practical teaching of the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine Dubbo Stream program. In her ABE role, Mel is responsible for the preparation and distribution of ABE kits to high schools in regional NSW.

Heli Soni is a neuroscience researcher currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Sydney, where her work focuses on understanding how the complement system contributes to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Her research explores how immune pathways interact with amyloid and tau pathology across different brain regions, with the broader goal of identifying mechanisms that may improve biomarker discovery and therapeutic targeting in neurodegenerative disorders.

Alongside her research, Heli is involved in teaching undergraduate laboratory courses and mentoring students in molecular biology techniques and experimental design. She is also actively engaged in scientific communication and regularly contributes to discussions on emerging biomarkers and immune mechanisms in neurodegeneration.

Outside the lab, Heli enjoys exploring the intersection of science, health, and everyday life—from nutrition and fitness to travel and cooking. She values curiosity, thoughtful collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of learning both inside and outside academia.

Sarah has worked for a research institute in Indonesia, studying forest microbes. She completed her master's degree at Hokkaido University studying plant root-associated fungi and is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Sydney, investigating microbial dynamics in mushroom compost. Her interest in science was sparked when she did small experiments in a science club in middle school. She hopes early hands-on lab work opportunities for high schoolers will inspire their future scientific endeavors.

Dale has over three decades of experience in teaching molecular biology to undergraduate cohorts at the University of Sydney. After her retirement, she joined ABE Australia as a school engagement officer, working hard to develop practical teaching resources for a range of student abilities, and visiting schools to share her passion and expertise in the molecular sciences. Dale is an engaging communicator who loves her leopard print lab coat!

Ren joined the Amgen team while completing her undergraduate degree in wildlife conservation at the University of Sydney. She is now a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student and hopes to become a wildlife veterinarian after her studies. As administrative assistant for Amgen, she liaises with teachers, manages bookings, and assists with other tasks for the team. Outside of school and work, you’ll find Ren enjoying the outdoors on hikes and rock climbing, or cooking and playing music at home.