Three STEM professionals turn their passion into a career
For many STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) professionals, passion is often the driving force behind discoveries and innovative solutions, guiding them through challenges and opening doors to opportunities.
The stories of these three individuals serve as powerful reminders of the importance of following one’s passions and the diverse paths that can lead to fulfilling careers. Their insights provide valuable lessons for anyone considering a career in STEM.
Jonathan O’Dowd: From ocean enthusiast to Business Development Manager 
Jonathan’s journey began with a fascination for the ocean. Growing up by the beach in New Zealand, his passion for the marine environment led him to pursue a science degree, focusing on marine biology.
However, his career took several unexpected turns.
“Over the course of my career, I have done things I definitely did not expect to do, from fish farming to working for the Environmental Protection Agency,” says Jonathan.
While these roles were exciting and beyond what his 10-year-old self could have ever imagined, they prompted Jonathan to explore finance and other aspects of STEM-related fields.
After moving to Australia and joining CSIRO as a Business Development Manager, Jonathan found himself at the intersection of science and business.
His role involves helping marine biologists and researchers translate their groundbreaking science and technologies into practical applications.
Jonathan’s diverse experiences highlight the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of effective communication in a STEM career.
“The reason is, STEM can be very complex, and those who don’t work in STEM can find it difficult to understand,” he says.
“But those who really thrive in a STEM-related career are the ones who can tell the story of scientists, engineers, mathematicians in a meaningful way that is easy to understand.”
Dr Anita Hafner: A Journey Through the Stars 
Anita’s interest in astronomy began at a young age. This early fascination grew into a lifelong passion, driving her to pursue a career in space and astronomy research.
Despite the rigorous path that lay ahead, including extensive coursework in physics and mathematics, Anita continued her pursuit.
Her dedication paid off as she became a postdoctoral researcher at CSIRO studying regions in the Milky Way that are forming stars much bigger than our sun.
Anita’s journey highlights the critical role of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in STEM.
She emphasises that finding something you’re passionate about can provide the motivation needed to overcome the challenges ahead.
For Anita, the opportunity to explore the universe and contribute to scientific knowledge made all the difficult exams and long years of study worthwhile.
“Expose yourself to as many different experiences as possible,” she says. “You never know where that spark of interest will come from.
“Don’t just attend events that align with your current interests; explore those you think you’re not interested in as well. You might find an unexpected aspect that you enjoy.
“Ultimately, finding something you’re passionate about is what will carry you through in life,” Anita says.
Dr Rhett Loban: Merging Cultural Knowledge with Digital Technology 
Rhett has always loved video games. “I started with a Gameboy, and it developed from there,” he explains.
However, Rhett’s career path was far from linear. After high school, he studied arts and worked for the government, but soon realised it wasn’t for him.
Rhett decided to return to his studies and pursue information technology, focusing on networking and cybersecurity.
After earning his IT degree, Brett decided to pivot once more, this time pursuing his original passion: video games.
“I went back to do my PhD, which looked at how we can learn through video games,” he says.
Now a Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Rhett combines his interests in cultural knowledge and digital technology to create innovative learning tools.
Rhett has also authored a book tilted Embedding Culture into Video Games and Game Design: The Palm, the Dogai and the Tombstone, exploring the implications of cultural depictions in video games and opportunities to generate deeper cultural representations through the game design process.
Rhett’s story highlights the importance of following your interests, even if your career path takes unexpected turns.
Whether you’re inspired by the ocean, space, or digital technology, there are countless opportunities to explore and make a difference. So, pursue what excites you, embrace the challenges, and stay open to the possibilities that a STEM career can offer.