Empowering Women in STEMM
Find out how RMIT University has empowered its women in STEMM to innovate and experiment, make a positive impact and build a sense of belonging.
Hear from these inspiring women working across the STEMM disciplines at RMIT.
"I think RMIT has been a brilliant place for me to work, with the amount of independence they have given me to choose whatever I wanted to do and to pursue that and excel in that"
An award winning academic, Madhu Bhaskaran combines leadership and research in her positions as the Associate Dean for Higher Degrees by Research and co-lead for the Functional Materials and Microsystem Research Group at RMIT. Her radical work in the field of flexible electronics has garnered her the Batterham Medal award and an Early Career Award in 2018. She has also been recognised as one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers by Engineers Australia. Madhu’s passion for the field led her to co-found the Women Researcher’s Network at RMIT. She has also served on the Board of Directors with Women in STEMM Australia since 2015. When asked about the impact of her work Madhu reflects:
"Anything that I make which can actually make its way out of the lab and into real life – that’s an interesting legacy to leave behind"
"I chose RMIT because as an Engineer I want to be around the best and brightest, cool new toys…we’ve got everything you could possibly want as an Engineer…"
Kate Fox is the Associate Professor at RMIT’s School of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering and is passionate about advocating for gender diversity in STEMM roles. Beginning her career with a double degree in science and biomedical engineering and a PhD in orthopaedic implants, Kate’s work is focused on using 3D printing to make new biomedical implants. Her knowledge and background as a patent attorney have also made her a valuable asset to two of the largest medical bionics projects in recent Australian history - the Bionic Eye and SmartStent. Dedicated to using her platform as an Engineer to make lasting positive impacts, Kate is pushing the edges of innovation by researching methods to 3D print diamond onto metal implants, allowing for greater biocompatibility. For women considering a career in Engineering Kate has this advice to offer:
"As a women in STEMM I would say find something you love…and now if you look around RMIT you’ll see that we have women in all kinds of areas of leadership positions so you know the sky’s the limit now."
"Things that keep me at RMIT are…the opportunities that I have received here…the support that I’ve been afforded… the working environment of RMIT and also the people"
Mary Tolcos is the Associate Professor for Applied Health Cluster and ARC Future Fellow at RMIT. Prompted by positive feedback from biomedical researchers already working at the University, Mary joined RMIT at an exciting time when opportunities within STEMM were expanding. A successful recipient of multiple grants, Mary’s research focuses on studying various intrauterine causes that impact neurological development. The aim of her work is to develop targeted approaches that aid in neuroprotection and improve long-term outcomes. Alongside supporting Mary’s research program, RMIT has provided her with opportunities to lead as a woman in STEMM. Mary is a member of RMIT’s Athena Swan Working Committee, whose dedication to achieving gender equality in STEMM has been rewarded with the Athena Swan Bronze award in 2019. Advocating on the importance of building resilience through supportive networks Mary shares:
"As a woman in STEMM I would advise peers within in my industry to choose a topic that they are really interested in… immerse yourself within it…and surround yourself people with like-minded STEMM centric people. It’s often important to build communities so that you can all help each other within that workplace and through difficult times."
“My main advice to younger people in STEMM is… to build resilience and not to doubt your abilities or experience.”
Asha Rao is a Professor and Associate Dean of Mathematical Science within the School of Science. Her research is in Cyber Mathematics where she applies research to solve real-world-issues like fraud detection and money laundering. Now, as Associate Dean of Mathematical Sciences, her main advice to younger people in STEMM is to build resilience and not to put doubt in their abilities or experience. Asha is passionate about making a difference in science with her team and encouraging women in their early careers to think about STEMM as a career choice. So, what does she love about RMIT? It’s easily the support and the sense of family that she gets from the people around her. RMIT has given her leadership growth and development, as well as trans-disciplinary opportunities in research.
RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching, and engagement. Our goal is to offer life-changing experiences for all and to influence the future with the talent, knowledge and learning capability that we share. We are passionate about impact and focused on the challenges and opportunities emerging around us.
Our people make everything at the University possible.
We encourage and embrace new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. And we offer and support women in their career journeys, across academic and professional positions.
This prestigious citation is awarded by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, an Australian Government statutory agency recognising employers who are leaders in gender equality.
RMIT University has proudly held the citation since 2008. The “Employer of Choice” citation highlights the extraordinary efforts we take across the organization to drive positive change. We continue to work hard to put our commitment to gender equality into practice and cement RMIT University as an organisation that attracts, supports and advances the careers of women.
Athena Swan has an international reputation for creating a gender inclusive workplace. The Athena SwanCharter is the most comprehensive and practical scheme to improve academics’ careers by addressing gender inequity. Women employed in organizations participating in the Athena Swan Charter experience greater career satisfaction and fairness in workload allocation, and increased opportunities for training and development.
RMIT University achieved Athena Swan Bronze award, showing a long-term dedication to improve gender equity and diversity. The award recognizes three years of rigorous analysis and unflinching reflection as the University mapped its efforts in promoting gender equity and developed a clear action plan for continued improvement and progression.
People are the heart of RMIT.
We find ways of working that allow you to achieve your best. With our range of benefits and diverse working arrangements – from technology, wellbeing support to flexible schedules and everything in between, we understand that life is not quite one-dimensional.
RMIT has a range of programs for women in STEMM to progress and develop in their careers. This includes the Women’s Research Network and the BOOST program, and embedding the ARtO (Achievement Relative to Opportunity) framework which supports leadership development and funding, as well as proactive management of career breaks to minimise impact including on funding and/or time release on return.
To keep up to date on all opportunities at RMIT, log in to our careers site and subscribe to our job alerts.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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