Our brand-new webinar series continued this week with an inspiring presentation from Dr Will Sullivan. Will is the Assistant Director of STEM Outreach and Engagement at the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Department of Defence. Will is also a long-time member of the In2science family from his years as RMIT Program Coordinator. It was a pleasure to welcome him back and hear about his winding, relatable journey into STEM. Will shared how he once felt unsure about his direction after high school – something that many of us can identify with! Will discovered a love of food science and studied a Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) at RMIT University, followed by a PhD in Food Chemistry. He spent some time teaching scientific skills to students in China, which sounded like a very exciting experience. Will also spoke about the work he currently does at DSTG, where he is heavily involved in the STEM talent pipeline through events and graduate programs.
Will had lots of thoughtful and practical advice for our mentors. He emphasised the importance of saying yes to new experiences, but also knowing when to say no to avoid negative impacts like burnout. He spoke about the importance of a work/life balance and finding ways to relax while studying. He also encouraged our mentors to build their networking skills, as this is a great way to meet people in different fields, to learn from the experience of others, and to uncover new opportunities. Will has had a fascinating career so far and we’re grateful he shared his wisdom with our mentors.
