Congratulations to Australia’s newest Superstar of STEM!
FrontierSI’s Eva Rodriguez Rodriguez is one of 60 brilliant women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who have been chosen for this acclaimed national program.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews officially announced those chosen for Science & Technology Australia’s game-changing Superstars of STEM program in 2021-22.
Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the program gave women in STEM stronger skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.
“It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “Women are still seriously under-represented in STEM leadership roles.”
“The Superstars of STEM program sets out to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician look like – these powerful role models show girls that STEM is for them.”
“We can’t thank the Australian Government enough for its strong support of this important program, which is already having a profound impact.”
“Sustaining this type of program for the long-term is more important than ever amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the STEM workforce.”
Eva said she was thrilled to have been chosen from a very competitive national field.
Since doing the program, current Superstar Dr Kudzai Kanhutu has become a regular on ABC’s The Drum, regularly sharing her expertise in frontline health challenges, technology and current affairs.
Another current Superstar Dr Kate Cole generated front-page media in May that led to a ban on hundreds on unsafe masks, protecting frontline healthcare workers and the Australian public.
“There is no way I would have spoken to the media before the Superstars of STEM program, and if I hadn’t done that, more than 600 questionable masks would still be on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods,” she says.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, as a Superstar of STEM, Eva will participate in the program in 2021 and 2022.
Learn more about the 2021 Superstars, including Eva’s superstar profile, at https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/profile/eva-rodriguez-rodriguez/
Eva has spent the last decade working with researchers, companies, government and communities, coordinating and leading the creation of technology and applications leveraging earth observing satellites, satellite telecommunications, satellite navigation and other space-derived data and technologies. From providing real time information to manage bushfires, to bringing healthcare to remote communities, or helping our farmers be better prepared to manage their resources.
She has been the recipient of ESA’s Team Excellence Award (2014), and the APSEA Women’s Leadership award regionally (Victoria) and nationally (Highly Commended) for her work strategically growing the Spatial sector in Australia and connecting it to the Space sector, as well as for her role leading Diversity and Inclusion. Eva is also the co-convener of the Space, Spatial and Surveying Diversity Leadership Network.
