Flinders University academics, researchers, graduates and students have been named on a list of 40 ‘rising stars’ in South Australia in The Advertiser.
Winner of the Prize for New Innovators in the 2020 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Professor Justin Chalker was selected as a rising star in Environment/Science. His work focuses on converting waste materials into valuable polymers that protect the environment. His research has led to a global commercialisation and distribution agreement with the company Clean Earth Technologies, which is now investing in SA, building a manufacturing facility and expanding the research effort.
Anita Nedosyko, marine biologist, ecological restoration practitioner and associate lecturer at Flinders, was also named a rising star in Environment/Science. Anita is now Oceans Coordinator, SA at The Nature Conversatory Australia where she oversees the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems including shellfish reefs and coastal wetlands. Prior to joining The Nature Conservancy, she worked as co-founder of The Saving Nemo Conservation Program at Flinders University.
Self-professed “worm lady” Dr Yee Lian Chew’s research into how worms hold the key to preventing chronic pain saw her listed by The Advertiser among the emerging stars of the Health/Medicine field. The SA Young Tall Poppy for 2021 is using a tiny worm with only 300 brain cells as an experimental system to identify the chemical signals that drive pain sensitisation.
As well, Flinders University student and entrepreneur Eloise Hall is named, alongside her business partner Isobel Marshall. The duo co-founded TABOO, a social enterprise with a mission to end period poverty around the world.
Another Flinders mention is former triathlete and Flinders graduate Ben Tripodi, founder of Lumin Sports. Lumin Sports uses advanced data and analytics to track the wellbeing and performance of professional athletes. The software is now used by more than 20 sporting organisations including Hawthorn Football Club, Adelaide United and Cycling Australia.
To check out the full list, click here.