Suzy Urbaniak: Volcano hunter and STEAM warrior by Cristy Burne

The most recent narrative non-fiction in the Aussie STEM Stars series introduces geologist and science facilitator, Suzy Urbaniak. Suzy grew up in St Albans, on the outskirts of Melbourne and was of Polish descent. Her parents ran a popular and successful suburban butcher shop and Suzy grew up surrounded by a loving family and extended community. She was given the freedom to roam and explore her natural environment and this gave birth to her love of rocks and fascination with volcanoes.

Unfortunately for Suzy, school was not always the right fit for her, and she had to make many adjustments to the strict rules and expectations imposed. While a negative and often disturbing experience at the time, it did however shape the woman she would become and bring about significant positive changes to how Science would be taught in the schools Suzy worked in.

Suzy has achieved many things over a long career including awards at University in the 1980’s, working as a Geologist at a mine after graduating, and finally retraining in 2004 as a secondary Science teacher. It is her work with school students that have given her more well-deserved accolades. This vibrant woman, with such a passion for sharing her inquisitive and investigative nature, is a worthy recipient of her amazing story being shared in the Aussie Stem Stars series.

Themes: Family, Geology, Geoscience, STEAM, Research, Education, Science Facilitating & Teaching.

Kathryn Beilby