Deakin marine science expert Dr Prue Francis named STEM superstar

A Queenscliff-based marine expert has been recruited for a prestigious STEM program. She hopes it can help her be a role model for young girls and non-binary people.

Queenscliff-based Deakin senior lecturer in marine science Dr Prue Francis has been recognised as a 'superstar of STEM'. Picture: Stefan Andrew

A Deakin University marine expert has been named a ‘Superstar of STEM’.

Queenscliff-based Dr Prue Francis is a researcher, lecturer and course director for Deakin’s Bachelor of Marine Science degree.

On Friday, she will be welcomed into Science and Technology Australia’s 2023-2024 Superstars of STEM program by the Industry and Science Minister.

Dr Francis said she was blown away to be selected as part of the national program, which sees participants gain skills to step into expert commentary roles.

She said she wanted to be a role model for young girls and non-binary people to get into the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.

“As the saying goes, you can’t be what you can’t see,” Dr Francis said.

“I want to be that visible role model for young people … (to) recognise it is a career option.

“The more (STEM specialists) we have, the more we can come up with innovative ideas.”

Marine researcher Dr Francis said she was “very honoured and very privileged” to be chosen for the program with 59 other people. Picture: Donna Squire

Dr Francis said she was looking forward to learning “valuable skills” over the two-year program.

She said she would learn how to use communication and media skills in a “meaningful way”, to hopefully expand the awareness about her sector.

“I’m very honoured and very privileged,” Dr Francis said.

“This program enables more women and more non-binary people to be present in the media.

“If young people are watching television and see them there, (or) on social media, it could inspire them.

“The more they see it, the more they can be it.”

Dr Francis’ work has mainly consisted of marine science and ocean-literacy research.

Her research on ocean literacy is being taught in schools across Australia.

Dr Francis continues to explore methods of promoting ocean literacy through regular appearances on radio and with a published children’s book about the Great Southern Reef, co-authored with Deakin senior writing and literature lecturer Dr Paul Venzo.

Dr Francis’ current work is using state-of-the-art flowthrough seawater aquarium systems at Deakin’s Queenscliff Marine Science Centre to explore optimisation of cultivation techniques for local seaweed species for farming and restoration purposes.

“You can’t complain going snorkelling for work.” she said.

“I get the best of both worlds.

“I look at what’s in our ocean and look at ways we can protect it, either directly or indirectly.

“It’s something I want to communicate and make everyone aware of.”

For more information about Dr Francis’ work visit deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/prue-francis

Originally published as Deakin marine science expert Dr Prue Francis named STEM superstar