About us

STEM is everywhere and it belongs to everyone

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Future You Pathfinder images

Future You is a free program hosted by UNSW Sydney. We work to build interest and belonging in STEM for children aged 8-12, so that they can imagine STEM as part of their future. We do this through:


Backed by research, informed by evidence

Our program is informed by the latest scientific evidence on what engages children with STEM.

Research shows that interest and belonging declines when children do not regularly see people like themselves reflected in STEM. Worse still, gendered stereotypes about who belongs in STEM persist. Together, this creates inequity, with children disengaging from STEM subjects and narrowing their career pathways in their early teens.

Our program is grounded in the belief that the equity we want to see in STEM is achievable.

When children see diverse, relatable role models using STEM skills in the real world, their sense of belonging and interest in STEM can be positively influenced.


Join us as we ensure that all children see STEM in their future

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Download our free, curriculum-aligned resources

Read our most recent evaluation data

Support the program financially via a one-time or monthly tax-deductible gift


Meet our team

Future You team
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
Program Ambassador.
Dialog
Future You team
Future You team

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

Program Ambassador.

Lisa is an award-winning astrophysicist and author with a gift for making the universe accessible to all. With over 55 research papers and key roles in the development and operation of radio telescopes globally, her contributions to astronomy are many.

Lisa’s passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond research. She’s a best-selling author and an engaging keynote speaker. Her books have received national and international acclaim, and she’s a familiar face from ABC’s Stargazing Live. Lisa has also hosted live events featuring Apollo Moon astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, captivating audiences in sold-out theatres across the country. On top of all of that, she’s passionate about getting your students excited about the amazing and rewarding career possibilities within STEM.

Future You team
Professor Lisa A. Williams
Executive Director
Dialog
Future You team
Future You team

Professor Lisa A. Williams

Executive Director

Lisa is a renowned social psychologist whose research explores the intricate relationship between emotional experiences and social interactions. As an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, Lisa leads innovative research projects examining emotions in various settings.

Lisa’s dedication to emotional science is matched by her commitment to gender equity in STEM. She serves as the Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Faculty of Science at UNSW Sydney. In this role, she champions inclusive practices and policies, striving to create a supportive environment for all. Lisa’s advocacy ensures that diversity and equity remain central to the academic and scientific community, fostering a culture of respect and opportunity.

Future You team
Hilary Schubert-Jones
Program Director
Dialog
Future You team
Future You team

Hilary Schubert-Jones

Program Director

Hilary Schubert-Jones is the driving force behind the success of the Future You program. As the program director, Hilary leads the development of practical and engaging resources that are evidence-based and seamlessly integrate social relevance into the classroom.

Hilary is dedicated to advancing equity in STEM, and brings 15 years of experience in project managing Outreach and Engagement programs for national not-for-profits and the Federal Government to secure the future STEM pipeline workforce for Australia. She is an extremely passionate human-centric manager and advocate for underrepresented groups, her mission being to assist individuals find their place to help solve the big thorny problems humanity faces.

Future You team
Becky Laurence
Senior Program Coordinator
Dialog
Future You team
Future You team

Becky Laurence

Senior Program Coordinator

Becky Laurence is an experienced program coordinator for national STEM equity programs across the university, government, and not-for-profit sectors. As the Senior Program Coordinator for Future You, Becky connects with teachers, families, and students to ensure these resources are relevant and effective. Her efforts aim to make STEM exciting by adding social relevance to the curriculum, all while addressing gaps without adding burdens.

Becky’s passion for her work is deeply personal. Growing up, she faced stereotypes and biases that discouraged her from pursuing a STEM career. This experience fuels her commitment to breaking down barriers so that every student can discover their passion. Through her dedication, Becky ensures that Future You not only educates but also inspires a new generation of STEM enthusiasts.

Future You team
Harry Twohig
Project Officer
Dialog
Future You team
Future You team

Harry Twohig

Project Officer

Harry Twohig is an experienced engagement and student equity practitioner. As Project Officer (Marketing and PR), he works closely with schools, communities, press and partners to deliver engaging content, experiences and resources that challenge stereotypes about who belongs in STEM.

Future You is hosted at UNSW Sydney and co-funded by the Optiver Foundation and the Faculties of Science at UNSW Sydney and The University of Sydney’.