Five women researchers working at the forefront of medical technology, environmental monitoring and mining safety will headline the upcoming NSSN Women in Sensing Showcase at the University of Wollongong on 10 November.
Dr Jessie Posar. Credit: Supplied
From next-generation radiation sensors and implantable medical devices to disease detection, Antarctic ecosystems and underground mine safety, the researchers will showcase how smart sensing technologies are addressing challenges across health, industry and the environment.
The event will also provide an opportunity to connect with researchers, share ideas and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
University of Wollongong physicist Dr Jessie Posar is developing a new generation of radiation sensors using organic semiconductor materials that can be printed onto flexible surfaces.
Her research could lead to wearable sensors that more closely mimic the human body, improving radiation monitoring during medical imaging and radiotherapy, with potential applications in nuclear, bioelectronic and advanced materials sensing.
Dr Xiao Liu. Credit: Supplied
University of Wollongong Senior Research Fellow Dr Xiao Liu is developing advanced materials to improve how medical devices interact with the human body.
Her research at the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute includes injectable electroactive hydrogels and flexible materials for wearable and implantable medical devices.
Her work aims to develop more reliable and biocompatible technologies for medical sensing and electrical stimulation.
Dr Lisanne Spenkelink. Credit: Supplied
University of Wollongong researcher Dr Lisanne Spenkelink is developing biosensing technologies that could enable faster, cheaper and more sensitive disease detection and diagnosis.
An NHMRC Investigator Fellow at the Molecular Horizons Research Institute, she leads the Single-molecule Biophysics lab, which uses advanced imaging techniques to study individual proteins and their interactions.
Her research includes the development of low-cost fluorescent biosensors and has potential applications in addressing major health challenges, including cancer, sepsis and antimicrobial resistance.
Cassie Newman. Credit Michael Gray
University of Wollongong PhD researcher Cassie Newman is investigating how water availability influences where photosynthetic organisms can survive in Antarctica and how they may respond to climate change.
Working with the university’s Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) team, she uses smart sensing technologies, including satellite imagery, drones and multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, to map surface moisture, terrain and vegetation condition.
Her research aims to improve understanding of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems and inform efforts to protect them in a changing climate.
Xiaoxiao Bu. Credit: Supplied
University of Wollongong PhD candidate Xiaoxiao Bu is researching how smart sensing technologies and wireless monitoring systems could improve safety in mining environments.
Her research includes developing Internet of Things (IoT) sensing systems to monitor the structural performance of rock bolts used in underground mines.
Her work could support earlier detection of safety risks and more effective monitoring of mining infrastructure.
Prof Susanna Guatelli. Credit: Supplied
The panel will be moderated by Professor Susanna Guatelli, an internationally recognised physicist and leading expert in Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, with expertise in medical physics.
Her research is helping to improve cancer treatment, radiation protection and the safety of space exploration.
Prof Guatelli is currently Head of the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Wollongong.
The NSSN Women in Sensing event series started in 2022 with the aim of profiling women researchers and leaders from across the network of seven universities.
The event provides inclusive platforms for networking and identifying collaborative opportunities.
The NSSN Women in Sensing Showcase will be held in Room 101 in Building 67 at the University of Wollongong’s Main Campus on Tuesday 10 November between 12pm and 1.30pm.
A complimentary lunch will be served from 12pm with presentations to follow. Register for the event.