Ecologist Samantha Munroe named Superstar of STEM

Ecologist Samantha Munroe is one of three new University of Adelaide researchers named among Australia’s official Superstars of STEM for 2021-2022.

Dr Munroe from the School of Biological Sciences and Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) joins the latest cohort of brilliant women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics chosen to help promote women and girls participating in STEM.

Dr Munroe studies the diet and movement of animals and the distribution patterns of plants, to better understand their role in the environment. She designs ecosystem observation programs including the development of national plant trait datasets and models that predict plant distribution across the continent.

University of Adelaide's newest Superstars of STEM also include optical engineer Dr Jiawen Li and cancer researcher Dr Hannah Wardill from the Adelaide Medical School.

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.

“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.”

The national program, Superstars of STEM, was developed to complement and enhance the important work being done to address the systemic barriers and historic biases that contribute to the alarming loss of women from STEM careers.

This program aims to raise the profile of 60 of Australia’s most dynamic women in science and technology, to create a national critical mass of strong, visible, relatable and public women who are role models in STEM.