Awarded to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate or postgraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in STEM studies.
Now in its 23rd year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
This year, 4 finalists have been selected for the Aboriginal STEM Student Scientist of the Year category:
Brodie O’Breza
Curtin University
Brodie O’Breza is a proud Torres Strait Islander of Saibai Island descent, studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Management. She has achieved academic excellence at Curtin University, receiving multiple scholarships supporting and encouraging her studies.
Brodie has had the opportunity to participate in various programs and international study tours, increasing her knowledge and employability skills. In addition to her academic achievements, she has been selected for the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship Exchange Program, allowing her to continue her studies in Fiji. This achievement is significant to Brodie as an Indigenous student, as she is one of only 14 Indigenous students across Australia to receive this scholarship.
Jaida Penny
Telethon Kids Institute and The University of Western Australia
Jaida Penny, a young Nyoongar woman, has a passion for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to thrive in their early years. Jaida is a second-year student at The University of Western Australia completing a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Human Biology, and a research assistant in Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health at Telethon Kids Institute.
Driven to foreground Aboriginal worldviews in the early years space and to advocate for her community, Jaida ensures the voices of Aboriginal peoples are highlighted, coordinating an Aboriginal Advisory Group, forming principles for culturally safe assessments, and challenging societal beliefs around racism.
Amos Dinny Tjampitjinpa Smith
The University of Western Australia
In June 2024, Amos Smith completed his Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology at The University of Western Australia. Throughout his 3-year journey in this program, he actively engaged in various internships, including roles at Environs Kimberley, Birdlife Australia, Atlas of Living Australia, and currently, he serves as a GIS intern at Winyama.
Amos’ goal is to return to Balanggarra Country, where he intends to apply the diverse skill set acquired through his degree and professional experiences. His vision is to look after Country but to also inspire and empower the younger generation to take an active role in caring for Country.
Amos was proud to represent Western Australia recently at the Indigenous Nationals multisport competition in Sydney, where he led WA’s Indigenous student-athletes as team captain.
Dakota Winter
The University of Western Australia
Dakota Winter is a proud Ballardong woman and a passionate environmental science and marine biology student at The University of Western Australia. Her undergraduate journey has been enriched by various internships and volunteer roles, allowing her to explore sustainable food sources and marine conservation, including research on sustainable microalgae cultivation for human nutrition, flatback sea turtle conservation, and ocean cleanups.
Dakota participated as a delegate at an international Green Summit, where she engaged with young changemakers also passionate about making a positive impact. She aspires to contribute to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and improving the health and livelihoods of those vulnerable to climate change.
