Celebrating women of the AEP – IWD 2023
International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the achievements of women. Not just the change-makers but all women, as we collectively forge ahead to create a world where equality is the norm.
On this IWD, we celebrate the talented women that are part of the AEP team and thank them for their positive contributions to our project, and to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
We sat down with the 30 inspiring women of the Australian Epilepsy Project to find out who and what helped shape who they are today. Here’s what some of them had to say.
Donna Hutchison
What is your role at the AEP?
AEP Executive Lead - improving the standard of care in epilepsy, by building a platform that re--architects the way brain health gets diagnosed and delivered.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Seeking out leadership roles that continually push me outside of my comfort zone.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Maths, art and economics.
Female you most admire? Why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg - she fought for many of the things we now get to take for granted.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Buy a suitcase. You will get to travel to some amazing places.
Dr Michelle Kiley AM
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am the Director of Epilepsy Services at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and Lead Epileptologist AEP South Australia.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Receiving an AM (Order of Australia) in the Queen’s birthday list in June 2022, for services to neurology and professional associations (highlighted by being the first female and youngest President of the Epilepsy Society of Australia 2016-18).
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher? Maths/Physics… and two Year 9 teachers: Jenny Lawson (inspiring feminist) and even more so Sue Elborough… a beautiful, wise woman who always had a kind word.
Female you most admire? Why?
This is really hard…. just one! Probably Angela Merkel. She came from a distinguished science career and then served for 20 long years in politics, 17 of those as German Chancellor. Her compassion allowing refugees into Germany in 2015-2016 highlighted her extraordinary humanitarian work.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
‘Believe in yourself’. This probably needs context, but like most women of my generation, when in the late 20th century medicine (like many professions) was still so male dominated, it was easy to have self-doubt and a fear of failure. I hope the younger female generation have more confidence and it’s nice to be a mentor to the next generation.
Vicky He
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am a second year PhD student at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. I do neuroimaging research to better understand how the brain works, and how it may be affected in people living with epilepsy, using the AEP imaging data.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Personal - I ran a half marathon last year! Professional - to be part of the Florey and the AEP team.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Algebra 😛
Female you most admire? Why?
Dr Suyi Ooi, who can run faster than me riding.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be happy!
Sam Jackson
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
AEP Marketing and Communications Manager – creating awareness of the AEP and its potential to transform the diagnoses and treatment for the thousands of Australians living with epilepsy; connecting to community and sharing the stories of the many wonderful people living with epilepsy, that we meet through the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
It’s a bit cliché, but I am going to say watching my two sons develop into kind, engaging and respectful humans – on the days they behave this way, that is!
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Ironically, my favourite subject in high school was fashion design and my favourite teacher was Ms Nesci, my music teacher, who taught me to play the clarinet. I say ironically because I have followed neither of those paths.
Female you most admire? Why?
There are so many wonderful women throughout history who have each carved a path, often through adversity, and collectively they have shone a light for future females, so we can pursue our dreams. For that, I am very grateful. One female I often think about, though, is Jane Goodall. I remember learning about Jane’s work in primary school. I was fascinated with her, and her unique connection to the primates she spent her life studying. Jane’s work has helped bring conservation to the forefront and inspire future generations to protect our planet’s fellow inhabitants. To me, there is something to be said about a society that recognises and protects its most vulnerable – whether that’s plant, animal or person.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
What comes to mind is to say something along the lines of “to believe in yourself. Be bold and brave.” However, my 12-year-old self was full of bravado, self-confidence, and joie de vivre. So maybe I should say “don’t stop believing in yourself. Every obstacle has a purpose, just remember to kick them out of your way. And be inspired by your potential.”
Carolyn Travers
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I have my own walking tour business, 'Walk Local', and I lead walkers through Italy on the ancient pilgrim’s trail, The Via Francigena, from Lucca to Rome. It’s a 500km journey that takes 24 days. My son, Ned, and I, walked this same trail in 2014 and I started my walking business soon after, giving others the opportunity to see the real Italy. It is a wonderful chance for people to slow down, improve their fitness, meet the locals, eat fresh, seasonal food and of course, see the wonders of the Italian landscape, one step at a time.
Along with Ned, I have been given the honour of being the new Lived Experience Ambassador for South Australia. Ned has been living with severe epilepsy since he was 12 and is now nearly 23. He has shown such strength, resilience, and courage throughout his life and as his carer, I help navigate this challenging road.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Being a mum, it is the highlight of my life. I have three grown children, Ned being the youngest. I have loved every stage of their growing up; becoming a mother was definitely the defining moment of my life. On a sporting note, I am incredibly proud of completing an Ironman at the age of 60.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
It would have to be PE - physical education. I loved all things sporty at school. Tennis, cricket, squash, athletics. Any sporting event, I would put my hand up and say, yes!
Female you most admire? Why?
Growing up I was in awe of Kay Cottee, the Australian Sailor, who was the first woman to sail unassisted, single-handedly around the world. I followed the whole journey with bated breath and loved reading her book. Such a sense of adventure and such inner strength. Then, in my older years, it would have to be Julia Gillard. Her strength, resilience, and courage to fight and her amazing intelligence. I was in Canberra recently at Parliament House and I just love the portrait of her on the wall. I had my photo taken standing next to it. I then went back to the hotel and whom should I travel in the lift with, Julia herself. I said, “this is amazing; I have just been standing next to your portrait.” "A much younger version of me" she said. So down to earth, which I love in people.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Study, so you can get a better education, so you can make better choices. If you don't have the skills to study, ask for help, as there are strategies out there for everyone to learn. I believe we can do anything we want - we just need to aim really high and be consistent.
Victoria Whatmore
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
You can find me at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, I am the AEP's content strategist and look after the project's website and digital content.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
It has to be navigating Melbourne's lockdowns with two teenage boys: home-schooling and working while trying to keep everyone's spirits up. There was a lot of dancing through the dark!
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Unsurprisingly it was English and my English teacher - Mrs O'Toole who had the most enthralling beehive and was one of the kindest, wisest, and patient women I have known.
Female you most admire? Why?
Rather than single out a particular woman, I most admire the forgotten women of our past, the composers, the scientists, the artists, the philosophers, the mothers, and the wives who have contributed to our canon of knowledge and our wellbeing but whom history has failed to acknowledge.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be brave and trust yourself.
Dr Clara Marquina
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work at Monash University, in the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety. My role at AEP as postdoctoral research fellow consists of generating health economic evidence to support new interventions and explore how those may impact the healthcare system and the health of the population in the long run.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
I’m proud of having being able to live and work in three different countries across continents, to pursue my personal and professional interest (exploring the world and learning more science!). I’m very proud of having had the courage to change the course of my career from molecular biology to something that I love even more: health economics.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
My favourite subjects were biological sciences in primary school, and economy and philosophy in high school. My favourite teacher was David, my teacher in 4th grade who taught us that being kind to each other was more important than getting the best grades.
Female you most admire? Why?
My friend Danielle, for always speaking her mind.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Learn scuba diving as soon as possible, you’re going to love it!
Dr Suyi Ooi
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am an early career neurologist and a senior clinical epilepsy fellow at the Austin Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. I am a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr David Vaughan, Dr Chris Tailby and Prof Graeme Jackson. The Australian Epilepsy Project provides an ideal platform for my PhD research, which aims to derive a prediction tool for seizure recurrence after someone’s first seizure.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Mostly getting up each day and not giving in/giving up.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Physics. I have admired all my teachers, but my Year 9 science teacher who allowed me to channel my inner nerd despite its unpopularity at the time.
Female you most admire? Why?
My mother for her unwavering support and interest in what I do, and together with my father has given my brother, who has an intellectual disability, and I, the opportunity to reach our full potential.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Your dress sense is going to be an ongoing affliction for the rest of your life - suck it up.
Donna Parker
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, I am the Senior Research Assistant within the Imaging team, at the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
The amazing female friendships I've made throughout the years - and many created at the Florey Institute.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
My favourite two subjects at school were psychology and human health/development.
Female you most admire? Why?
Lady Gaga! What an incredible performer. Anyone who can sing and dance like that deserves admiration!
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Always trust your gut instinct, if you feel something is wrong, that's because it usually is.
Amanda Anderson
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. I am the AEP Lived Experience Ambassador and Participant Experience Lead.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
After going through brain surgery for my epilepsy, recovering, having another baby, my proudest achievement is completing a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Accounting and Maths. My maths teacher, who was also my aerobics coach for competition aerobics, was my favourite teacher.
Female you most admire? Why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she was a lawyer and served as an associate justice of the supreme court until her death. She was an advocate for gender equality and women's rights so is a role model to me and so many females.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
You are going to get through whatever life throws at you, don't worry so much.
Cliona Walsh
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am the AEP Team Assistant. I provide administrative assistance and project support to the AEP’s Chief Investigator, Executive Lead and other members of the team.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
I am most proud of completing my honours degree in 2022. I believe that my perseverance throughout the pandemic, such as navigating the subsequent disruptions and transitions within my learning, was a significant personal achievement.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
My favourite teacher in school was Ms Bell, my grade 11 and 12 English teacher. Not only was Ms Bell a fantastic female role model, but she also remains to be a pivotal figure within my life and has inspired a life-long desire to learn and chase big dreams.
Female you most admire? Why?
A female I greatly admire is Jacinda Ardern. I believe that she embodied as an international leader, and still embodies as a public figure, what it truly means to be a woman. She demonstrated throughout her career that women are concurrently fierce and kind – that they can be fantastic leaders whilst also being fantastic mothers. I believe she empowered many women across the globe to step into predominantly male dominated roles and spaces, and I think this is her greatest achievement.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
I would tell my 12-year-old self to be herself, because no one else is as good at being you, then you are.
Karen Oliver
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work at both the ERC (UoM) and WEHI. I am the AEP Genetics Lead.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional) Re-training as a bioinformatician (computational biologist) despite no programming experience! Was very, very scary (and hard!), but I did it!
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Phys Ed (PE)
Female you most admire? Why?
Julia Gillard – her misogyny speech still gives me goose bumps.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Don’t put limits on what you can do or be.
Ass Prof Zanfina Ademi
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am an Associate Professor in the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS), Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, currently ranked number 1 in Pharmacy & Pharmacology (QS World Rankings). I lead the Health Economics group within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. I am the Health Economic Lead within the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
I am proud of seeing the evidence that we worked hard to develop and demonstrate starting to have an impact on people's lives.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher? History, psychology, and sports.
Female you most admire? Why?
I admire the many women who are doing their best to manage the everyday lives of those in their communities displaced by war.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Katie Liddicoat
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
AEP Head of Partnerships and Engagement.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Maths – the calculus, algebra kind!
Female you most admire? Why?
There are many – I admire the wonderful traits that shine through my many women friends – resilience, intellect, street smarts, kindness, humour and adventure. Of more well-known names – many, from Annie Lennox, to Julia Gillard, and Ash Barty.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Have courage of conviction, courage under fire (you will need it more than once in your life), and remember, the smartest voice in the room is rarely the loudest.
Evie Muller
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health as part of the AEP Central Team. I am a Clinical Trials Assistant, which involves helping to organise the study and coordinate participant appointments.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Completing my Bachelor of Science despite two interrupted years of Covid! Even though the university experience wasn’t what I was expecting, I’m proud that I got through those challenges.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
My favourite subject in high school was biology. I had a fantastic teacher, Ms Murray, who helped spark my interest in science and health.
Female you most admire? Why?
I’m lucky to have many amazing women in my life that I admire, including friends, family members, and colleagues. Not only do these women give me great support, but I’m constantly inspired by their strength, passion, and kindness.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Stop worrying about what other people think! All those things you think are embarrassing will soon be long forgotten.
Subhaga Amarasekara
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
Product Lead at the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
My two kids.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
I had the most amazing English teacher!
Female you most admire? Why?
My mum – her life story and the sacrifices she has made for us.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be your authentic self – dare to be different!
Dr Chathurini Fernando
Where do you work?
At The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health for the Australian Epilepsy Project. What is your role at the AEP? Clinical Research Assistant.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Learning and growing from my mistakes.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Science.
Female you most admire? Why?
My mother. I admire my mother because no matter what life throws at her, she always chooses to be resilient.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be comfortable in your own skin and don't compare yourself to others.
Rachel Hughes
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work as the Clinical Research Coordinator of the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Professionally, joining the AEP in this role was a huge achievement. I am very proud to be working with this team of brilliant people and making a difference to people’s lives.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
I had an amazing legal studies teacher in high school that really shared a passion for learning, sharing knowledge and motivating young minds. That really made a difference for me.
Female you most admire? Why?
I know it’s cliché, but my mum! She is such a loving, supportive person who has overcome a lot. I admire how she carries herself and am very grateful for her influence on my life.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
You can do anything you put your mind to!
Dr Jodie Chapman
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work in the Epilepsy Cognition Laboratory at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. I am a Neuropsychology Registrar for the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Graduating from my Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) degree… it took a long time.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
My favourite subjects at school were maths and psychology (no surprises there). My favourite teacher was my Year 12 psychology teacher who was instrumental in my decision to study a Bachelor of Psychology, so really set me on the path that led to where I am today.
Female you most admire? Why?
I am lucky to be surrounded by a lot of impressive females, whom I admire. One of the females I admire most is my best friend. She’s wildly intelligent, hilarious, and the kindest person I know.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Logic is good but so are your instincts. Trust your gut.
Laura Stevens
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. I am an Imaging Research Assistant for the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Graduating university.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Psychology and philosophy.
Female you most admire? Why?
All my female family members and friends!! Being surrounded by women that have such diverse interests, strengths and paths inspires me every day.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Make time to do at least one thing you love every day.
Carmen Zheng
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work as a Neuropsychology Research Assistant for the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Honestly, I am most proud of my ability to consistently do meal prep each day. Since late last year, I’ve produced lunches that some might consider as borderline delicious.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
In primary school I liked music the best. One year my teacher managed to hire four grand pianos for a group of us to perform Schubert’s Military March (four-hand) in front of the school – it was awesome.
Female you most admire? Why?
I learned from Tara Westover’s memoir that everyone starts from somewhere. As hard as it may be there is often a choice between either being my own worst enemy or a trusted companion.
And my mother who has worked hard to provide me with the life I have.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Embrace your chubby cheeks.
Bella Peterson
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am Neuropsychology Research Assistant in the Epilepsy Cognition Laboratory, for the AEP.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Completing my master’s degree last year.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
I trained as a ballerina when I was young, so at school, I loved anything related to the performing arts.
Female you most admire? Why?
My mum! She is a lovely nurse who is always caring for others whether it be in her personal or professional life.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be kinder to yourself.
Ojasvi Agarwal
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am the Outcomes and Follow-up Officer of the AEP. One of my main responsibilities is to conduct telehealth interviews with participants for their medical history and their follow-up appointments, over the two -year span post AEP testing.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Building rapport with a diverse range of participants. And facilitating participant interviews that are more like conversations.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Legal studies.
Female you most admire? Why?
My sister because she pushes me to be the best version of myself in all aspects, especially when it’s uncomfortable and because she leads by example.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be yourself, make good friends and experience new things to find out what you like AND don’t like.
Leila Nategh
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I’m a PhD student at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. We are studying cognitive measures of AEP cohorts.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
My curly hair, that’s stronger than gravity.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Mathematics.
Female you most admire? Why?
Women in Iran who are fighting for their basic freedoms and basic human rights.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Eat ice cream as much as you can.
Carmel Jacobson
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am the Research Finance Manager at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Maintaining lifelong family and friendship connections.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Year 11 Literature (Mrs Hughes – introduced me to Lord of the Rings and The Go Between and taught me a deep lifelong love of reading, at a very rebellious stage of my life.
Female you most admire? Why?
Julia Gillard. She made her way through a deeply patriarchal political system to achieve the highest office and continues to give back through various community programs and change organisations.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Have fun and don’t be scared!
Loren Lindenmayer
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work as an AEP Research Assistant in imaging analysis.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Scoring two header goals in two consecutive soccer games last year.
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
French. I'm a shameless grammar nerd, and no better language to choose than French when it comes to grammar particularities!
Female you most admire? Why?
My grandma. She was interesting, bold and caring.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Be brave!
Molly Ireland
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I am a Research Assistant in the AEP Imaging Group.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
Hiking the South Coast track in Tasmania for 8 days with some great friends!
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
Biology! The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.
Female you most admire? Why?
At the moment, I've got two. Robin Kimmerer who is a bryologist (moss-expert!) with an infectious respect for the tiny moss worlds and Gina Rippon, a neurobiologist who has done a lot of work to dispel gender myths in neuroscience research.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Gender is more performance than dogma, have fun with it and never let it stop you from pursuing things for 'boys only'.
Dr Remika Mito
Where do you work? What is your role at the AEP?
I work at the Austin campus of the Florey Institute, as a postdoctoral researcher in the Imaging & Epilepsy group.
What are you most proud of? (personal or professional)
This is a hard one. Personally - probably at the moment, my weird ceramic creations. Professionally - probably the first paper I wrote. I worked hard on that one!
Favourite subject/s at school, and/or favourite teacher?
An equal split between French and Physics.
Female you most admire? Why?
My female friends who are kicking goals in their respective careers. I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful network of women in my life, and these women inspire me on a daily basis.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Don't be afraid of change and take all the opportunities that come your way!