National Youth Science Forum

Geoff Burchfield
Director

Geoffrey has had a colourful career working as a science writer, television presenter and documentary film-maker especially with ABC Television’s long-running “Quantum” programme. In previous lives he tested marijuana on cultured human brain cells, studied robotics at MIT in Boston, and as a research zoologist documented fox attacks on kangaroos in the outback. Brief stints playing Mr Doobee on “Romper Room” and wrangling wombats on “A Country Practice” no doubt qualified him to become the first television science news reporter in the country for the Seven Network. In his years with “Quantum” he won numerous awards for films ranging from the Big Bang, to the chemistry of consciousness. His acclaimed series on drugs, “What’s Your Poison” has screened in 18 countries and a fossil bandicoot has even been named in his honour.

Before taking up the position of Director of the NYSF, Geoffrey was the head of CSIRO’s Media Unit in Canberra.

Damien Pearce
Associate Director (Canberra)

Damien Pearce is a Fulbright Professional Scholar for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and, with presented opportunity, is currently studying towards a professional doctorate in education (EdD) through the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Damien's professional practice and research interests includes educational leadership, development of contemporary teaching and learning practice, and the relationship between critical reflection, professional practice and the workplace.

Before becoming an educationalist, Damien has a trade background ‘swinging spanners’ as a Fitter and Turner where he specialised in firearms and munitions maintenance engineering within both the military and law enforcement environments. He was previously the Education Director of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) College before embarking on full time study. Damien has extensive experience in education design, teaching, assessment, evaluation in professional and vocational education.

Damien holds from CIT a Certificate IV in Training and Education (TAE), a Graduate Vocational Certificate in Management and a Graduate Diploma of Tertiary Teaching and Learning. Additionally, he holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Canberra and is currently studying aspects of the Master of Science in Adult Education from Indiana University as part of his Fulbright Scholarship.

Sandra Meek
Associate Director (Operations)

With a family history at The Forum, Sandra has been a dedicated member of the office team for many years and is an avid traveler. Growing up in Kenya and the UK, plus living in Papua New Guinea for three years, she has had some fantastic experiences under her belt. A regular on the South Africa trip, Sandra is up to her ninth safari and loves being part of the group attending the National Youth Science Week in Pretoria each year just as much as her first time.

As Associate Director (Operations), Sandra uses her skills to work in coordinating travel, accommodation, special guests, university seminars and international programs amongst other jobs which keep her busy throughout the year.

Along with her husband, Ron, and sons Ashley and Cameron, Sandra loves life at her property at Bywong, complete with the dogs, alpacas, donkeys… and a horse-drawn carriage!

Tom Grace
Associate Director (Perth)

Tom has enjoyed varied work experiences including positions as a physics and chemistry teacher, superintendent of science, university lecturer, head of a university international office, and CEO of an international education provider. In 2007 he “retired” from full-time work as principal of Canning College, an adult college in Perth, and took up a range of consultancies.

Internationally he has worked in Singapore and, with the marketing of international education and projects, travelled extensively in Asia, India and the Gulf States since 1987.

For recreation, sailing and travelling have taken over from an earlier addiction to flying.

In January 2009 Tom was appointed to the NYSF with the exciting task of putting together the first Forum in Perth, 2010. While enjoying every position he has had in the past “this has to be the best job yet of my career”.

Rupert Macgregor
Marketing and Communications Officer

Rupert has long and varied experience with government, private and community organizations — in consulting, change management or executive roles — in Australia and overseas.

For the past eight years he has worked in the position of National Research & Projects Manager — and recently as Executive Director — of the Australian Council of State School Organisations: the national peak non-government organization representing and promoting the interests of parents, families and school communities of students in Australia’s public schools, those commencing their education journey in early childhood settings, and those transitioning to tertiary study and the world of work.

A major focus has been development of a national information and marketing strategy — informed by periodic market research as to the information needs, priorities and expectations of parents, families and school communities: with emphasis on building an informed understanding of the vital complementary importance of the study of languages, music and the sciences in the development of every young Australian.

Birgit Havas
Accountant

Our resident Swede, Birgit loves life.

With friends all over Australia, and all over the World, it’s little wonder she enjoys travelling.

Brian Haddy
Corporate Partnerships

Brian lives in Adelaide where he spent his formative years before moving to Canberra where he married and where three of his four daughters were born.

He has worked with community organizations most of his working life, principally in managerial, marketing and fundraising positions. In Canberra, these organizations included Lifeline and the Heart Foundation, where he managed their national food endorsement program.

Back in Adelaide, Brian ran the men’s health program GutBusters before becoming Deputy Director of The Investigator Science and Technology Centre.

Brian now consults to several science education organizations with the NYSF being his principal client. Accompanying NYSF students on leadership treks in WA’s Pilbara region has been a recent personal highlight of his involvement.

Brian maintains an active interest in local politics and community life in his home town of Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills and enjoys a wide range of sporting and recreational pursuits.

Michelle Rowshan
Administrator (Perth)

Michelle comes to us with a wide variety of skills and experiences.

She has been involved in project management, office management and administration for some 25 years. She has worked in a cross section of industries including engineering, mining, accounting, recruitment, medical and human services and sales.

Her organisational skills are legendary and the girl doesn’t know what “can’t be done” means.

Personally Michelle is married to Khosrow, has two beautiful boys, aged 6 and 4, and is vainly trying to strike a life and work balance.

Rado Faletič
IT Manager

Rado is a past NYSF student from 1993. He completed a BSc (Hons) at The Australian National University, and then went on to complete a PhD in Physics (rocket science!) at the same institution.

He is currently the Executive Director for the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology cooperation (FEAST), a role that sees him engage with a wide range of researchers and bureaucrats all over the world. Rado also runs his own i-commerce business, and is #1 at The Inside Investor Blog.

As IT Manager at the NYSF, he is responsible for all computing needs. In particular, the main server, database, and website.

He is married to the lovely Heather, who is a great friend to the Forum and can often be seen at the Science Dinners during January.