The Loreto Kirribilli ‘LK Connect Mentoring & Networking Program’ provides the vital link between existing talent and expertise within the Loreto Kirribilli community and the raw potential of students on the brink of their future careers. It offers new graduates, or those seeking new challenges, the opportunity to learn and grow from Mentors with extensive experience in their profession.

Loreto Kirribilli’s most recent LK Connect event was a true celebration of Women in Science. The event was conducted live from Iraq, Oxford University and Sydney, and featured a panel of inspirational ex-student scientists. Expertly facilitated by Walkley Award-winning journalist Helen Dalley (’74), the panel of Kirribilli Scientists showcased their diversity in the areas of communicable diseases, research in chemistry, cellular agriculture, and physiotherapy in developing countries. They further discussed how globalisation has contributed to major scientific advancements through increased collaboration and communication.

Therese Powell (’80), a Physiotherapist/Health Delegate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), highlighted the importance of values and community service required to support developing countries. Therese works with teams across North Korea, Myanmar and Iraq, delivering prosthetic limbs, orthotics, physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.

Dr Sally Ioannides (’00), fuelled by her interest in medical equity and accessible health care, set out to explore the area of communicable diseases with a particular interest in improving the health of Australian and New Zealand children through population measures. She is currently completing her training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine) while working for NSW Health on the Public Health Response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Brianna Heazlewood’s (’02) passion and curiosity for science shone through her enthusiasm for new approaches and techniques to further research on chemical reactions under cold and controlled conditions. This passion led her to the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford, where she was awarded a series of fellowships. Brianna’s research focuses on chemical reactions under cold and controlled conditions and aims to improve how well we understand the competing chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere. She was recently awarded the Institute of Physics Henry Moseley Medal and notably awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant worth $3.2 million.

Finally, Rebecca Screnci (’13) demonstrated her passion for science in the area of cellular agriculture. Part of the founding science team at Vow, a cultivated meat start-up company in Sydney, Rebecca fostered her interest in the wellbeing of animals and her knowledge of biotechnology to form the perfect combination of both. Removing the whole animal from the equation, cultivated meat seeks to address food security, wildlife conservation, ecological balance and sustainability.

Forging new frontiers in scientific research and applied science, and with a drive for greater social justice, these exceptional Loreto women are making a positive difference to the lives of others here in Australia and around the world.

For further information about LK Connect, please contact Debbie Henry, Development Manager, Loreto Kirribilli | Phone +61 2 9957 4722 or email lkconnect@loreto.nsw.edu.au

View the live event HERE.

Feature Image: The LK Connect Women in Science Around the Globe evening was livestreamed from Loreto Kirribilli, Iraq and Oxford University.