The SciComm Collective
The SciComm Collective explores how and why science stories are told, examining the social conversation around science through interviews and discussions with experts, students and alumni. Created and run by science communication students at The University of Western Australia, the show covers science communication skills, careers, and practices. It aims to bring fresh, diverse perspectives from student voices.
Episodes
SciComm Values in Nature Settings
“My favourite thing about nature conservation and science is sharing it with people and connecting with people about it.” – Owen Cumming Welcome back to The SciComm Collective! In this episode, UWA Master of Science Communication alumni Ximena Shaw and Owen Cumming chat about Owen's journey after studying science communication and experiences that have shaped his career as an ecologist and gui
First Aid Communication
“It’s about empowering the kids to feel like they can step in and help in an emergency.” – Suchi KaliaHow can science communication enhance emergency responder training? This episode features two special guests, UWA SciComm alumni Suchi Kalia and Samantha Crampton, who design and deliver innovative first aid training at the St. John’s WA Youth Academy. Sam and Suchi chat with Camila and Emma about
Science centres and inclusion
“A really important part of inclusion is understanding your audience, understanding their needs, but also understanding their assets… What knowledge do they already have? … Science capital is about recognising what people already bring to the table.” – Shanii PhillipsWelcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how science stories get into public spaces li
Futures thinking at the Museum of Discovery
“It’s being able to create experienceswhere young people feel like they belong.” – Lisa Bailey, MOD. How can we design better science museumexperiences for 15–25-year-olds? In this episode of The SciComm Collective, Avantika chats with Dr Lisa Bailey, Director of the Museum of Discovery (MOD.), about informal science communication and the importance of engaging young people with science beyond the
Writing and Editing Science Stories
“There's a lot going on in the world, And I think that sometimes science gets dropped a little bit ... But in terms of media as a whole, it's there. And I think there's a lot more work to do, but I think it's clawing its way ... There is space for science in breaking news.” - Cat WilliamsWelcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how sci
Australian science media in the digital age
Welcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how science stories get into public spaces like news, magazines, theatre, parks, museums, science centres, and youth groups. In our first episode, UWA science communication PhD candidate Emma Gill chats with Jasmine Fellows, Managing Editor of Refraction Media, former editor of Cosmos and Double Helix magazines
Why make a science podcast?
“I was always interested in the storytelling element. I was really interested in how people create a place where people can just be themselves and talk.” – Crystal NgoWelcome to the final episode of our Winter Shorts series 2026! In this special wrap-up, Camila and Heather chat with UWA Master of Science Communication alumnus Crystal Ngo, whose journey has taken her from nutrition, public health,
Hidden Identities
"Kathakars were known as storytellers, and these are ways of telling mythological stories: they convey meanings through the form of dance, and you can think about it in sociological terms - the dancer is conveying a story." – Hari Krishna GamiIn this Winter Shorts episode, science communication student Hari Krishna Gami shares his short podcast about Kathak, a traditional North Indian dance form,
Voices in our heads: Explaining the science of self-handicapping
“Next time you find yourself avoiding the work you should be doing, remember: your values hold the key to success.” – Tom CarberyAre you ever so worried about failing at something that you actively seek out other activities to do instead… and then ‘blame’ those as the reason you fail? You might be 'self-handicapping'.On this episode, UWA psychology student Tom Carbery shares his mini-podcast about
The Brownbeak Chronicles: SciComm x Bird Noir
~ Note from Producers: Episode audio updated on 28/6/2026 ~"With science, we're trying to communicate with people, change behaviour, inspire people to think about things differently... Being able to pivot and adapt to what your audience needs is a really important part." - Sarah Brown In this episode, Camila sits down with Minor of Science Communication student Sarah Brown to discuss the process
Looking back, listening differently: Lessons from a misophonia podcast
“It’s the question I keep coming back to – how inclusion, neurodiversity, and different ways of seeing and being in the world are part of science and science communication…” – Emma Gill Our Winter Shorts Series continues with Clare Boon sitting down with The SciComm Collective’s Emma Gill to chat about how far she’s come since recording her very first podcast - for an assignment at UWA. We share
The Art of Interviewing
"Whatever you are interviewing about, be curious … Ask the questions with the full curiosity of: I don’t know this, can you teach me?" - Siobhon Eacott Welcome to Winter Shorts, a bonus series by The SciComm Collective that hopes to keep you entertained during the first weeks of winter. We will explore the art of podcasting with professionals and former students of UWA’s Science Presentations unit
A Fun Day Out with EnviroFest
As The University of Western Australia gears up for the return of EnviroFest later in 2026, Ke chatted to the former guild environment officer Julia about the mission and logistical efforts required to bring a large-scale sustainability event to life in 2025. Emma and Rae then revisited their conversations last year at EnviroFest with a diverse range of community organisations to gather their insi
Hidden Variables - Designing a Physics Board Game
“There should be no assumed knowledge in the rules” – Nick Godfrey Today, Rae sits down with Nick Godfrey to discuss his work developing a board game that teaches players about physics as covert education. They discuss how he brought together his background in physics and his love for board games to create something he’s passionate about. As every good science communicator considers, Nick reveals
Exploring the Importance of Indigeneity with Dr Jarita Holbrook
“When I go into those two different communities, I have to introduce myself differently” – Dr Jarita HolbrookToday, Kate, Rae and Felice sit down with Dr Jarita Holbrook to talk about their experience working with Indigenous communities. They discuss the ways in which researcherscan build connections with Indigenous communities and how communication is imperative in collaboration. They talk about
When Art Meets Science with Dr Phil Dooley
“I think of the audience as a fried egg” – Phil Dooley Today, Clare sits down with Dr Phil Dooley (the current President of the Australian Science Communicators) to discuss art and audiences. Together they explore how science art reaches different audiences and how the ever-changing algorithm impacts who our content reaches. As performers, they discuss how theatre has can be used in science commun
Student Roundtable - Consensus Reality
Keelan investigates what consensus reality is with Holly and Camila and how this relates to our work as science communicators. They delve into the theory behind this concept and discuss the intricacies behind mimesis and fiction. This theoretical discussion touches on all kinds of important concepts such as positionality, the impact of lenses, and the importance of context. Episode links:If you w
Decolonising Science Communication with Alana Dooley
Join Kate (Master of Science Communication student, the University of Western Australia) and Camila (PhD Candidate, the University of Western Australia) as they talk with Alana Dooley about her journey in science communication. They discuss their personal definitions of science communication and the importance of Alana’s Indigenous identity in how she approaches her science communication practice.
Writing for Children with Pamela Freeman
Join Emma (PhD Candidate, The University of Western Australia) today as she talks to children’s book author Pamela Freeman. They discuss how Pamela got into writing ecological picture books for children, where her ideas come from, and how they align with the national curriculum. Pamela explains how she best engages children with her books and how her unconventional relationship with her current il
Inspiring Students with The Innovators' Tea Party
Let’s get inspired! Ahead of the Innovators’ Tea Party’s ten-year anniversary celebration, join Holly (Master of Science Communication student, The University of Western Australia) as she talks with committee members and mentors about the impact of the Innovators’ Tea Party on Western Australian students interested in STEM and what it’s like being a woman in STEM. Hear right from the students’ mou
Revisiting 'Raising the Bar' with Dr Heather Bray
"Science communication is not just about talking to the media; it's about this broader relationship. Food is social, not just scientific." - Dr Heather Bray.In our Summer Shorts bonus season finale, The SciComm Collective’s Kate is joined by guest Dr Heather Bray, Coordinator of UWA's Masters and Minor in Science Communication programs. Taking on the challenge she sets for studen
Gossiping Geology with Owen Cumming
“I liked the story of it and that's why I wanted to use that, to present [geology] in a way that was a bit more interesting, a bit more fun.” - Owen CummingOn this episode of Summer Shorts, join The SciComm Collective’s Clare as she interviews Owen Cumming, a graduate of UWA’s Master of Science Communication program. Owen talks about his journey from environmental science to science communica
Taking a Break with Lotte George
“Learning and practising science communication is core to so much” - Lotte GeorgeWelcome back to Summer Shorts, an exploration of podcasting by UWA science communication students. In this episode, The SciComm Collective’s Kate is joined by UWA Biomedical Sciences graduate Lotte George. Lotte shares how stumbling upon the UWA Tropical Grove during a study break inspired her to make a Shinrin-yoku (
Wildflower Walking with Felice Ng
“While I’ve always had this interest in science, I didn’t always feel like it was the most accessible or easily understandable, so I was really drawn to science communication.” - Felice NgJoin The SciComm Collective’s Clare as she interviews Felice Ng, a UWA student pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in Pharmacology and Genetics, along with a Science Communication minor. In this episode, Fe
Talking Sexy Science with Anna Balaguer
“Science can be silly, it can be goofy, it can be funny, and interesting!” - Anna BalaguerIn Summer Shorts we're exploring the art of podcasting with former UWA Science Presentations unit students. Today’s guest star is Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and Science Communication (Minor) student Anna Balaguer. Join Anna and The SciComm Collective’s Emma as they discuss the inspiration behind Anna&#
The Art of Podcasting with Rocky McGellin and Rose Kerr
How do you evaluate a podcast? What makes a good podcast?Welcome to Summer Shorts, a bonus series brought to you by The SciComm Collective where we explore the art of podcasting with professionals and former students of UWA’s Science Presentations unit. Today, The SciComm Collective's Kate and Emma chat with local podcasters Rockwell "Rocky" McGellin and Rose Kerr about the ins and outs of podcast
SciComm Careers with Dr Ann Grand
"We all have something to contribute to the enterprise of science and technology." - Ann Grand
Join hosts Emma and Felice as they chat with Dr Ann Grand, Adjunct Associate Professor in Science Communication at UWA and Lead Research Fellow and Policy Analyst at the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement in the UK. Discover the evolution of public engagement in science, the im
Finding Nessie: Communicating Genetics with Professor Neil Gemmell
You’ve heard about DNA... but what about eDNA? From tracking invasive species to cryptozoology, Professor Neil Gemmell (Geneticist, University of Otago) has explored the science of DNA throughout his academic career. Join Masters student Rae as she picks Neil’s brain on sex-changing fish (spoiler alert: the world is not ready for a Finding Nemo re-make); the importance of building trust between sc
SciComm Careers with Eugenie Au
“We are here behind the scenes to help the science be more accessible, to remind the scientists to listen to the audience.” - Eugenie Au
Ke chats with Eugenie Au, a graduate of the UWA Master of Science Communication and now a science communicator at WA’s King’s Park and Botanic Garden. We dive into her amazing journey from being a wildlife biology guide in Canada to her current gig in Australia.
Student Roundtable: What is the Deficit Model?
"The public is diagnosed as ignorant of and lacking interest in science. The main symptoms of the condition are aversion, anxiety and mistrust. The prescribed cure: Science pills." - Marko Ahteensuu (2011)
What is science communication's Deficit Model, and why does it sound so ominous?
Join UWA Master of SciComm students Kelly, Holly, and Kate as we discuss the Deficit Model, why it presents chal
Seadragon Search with Chrissy Tustison
“Seadragons are a great entry point for people to learn more about marine biology and conservation.” - Chrissy Tustison
Dive into the secret lives of seadragons in our latest episode! This week, Master of SciComm student Emma sits down with PhD candidate Chrissy Tustison (The University of Western Australia & Scripps Institution of Oceanography) to discuss Chrissy's passion for studying t
SciComm Careers with Dr Heather Bray
“Find those things that light you up. Find your community.” - Heather Bray
What is science communication? How and why do we get involved? In this episode, Holly, Kate, and our guest Dr Heather Bray, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of Science Communication at The University of Western Australia, discuss Heather’s journey into research and academia, the power of subjectivity, and how science commun
Introducing... The SciComm Collective
"The value of science communication emerges from the person that you are and the questions that you have." - Ann Grand
Welcome to our first episode! In this episode, we explore how the SciComm Collective grew from an idea by a group of science communication students from UWA into the audio you hear today. Join Felice, Ke, Ximena, and Emma and special guest interviewer Ann Grand as they d
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