CDU lecturer wins best scientist at NT Science Week Awards
A Charles Darwin University (CDU) lecturer has been recognised at the recent NT Science Week Awards for her dedication to promoting science to high school students and the NT community.
CDU Chemistry Senior Lecturer Dr Vinuthaa Murthy received the Best Scientist award for her coordination of various activities and events to communicate complex chemistry topics to the public.
“One of my passions is nurturing the next generation of scientists,” Dr Murthy said.
“I have been a strong proponent of STEM education, specifically chemistry, for over two decades in Darwin and the wider NT community. I am very grateful to receive this award for my work.”
Dr Murthy’s expertise is in applying computational and analytical chemistry techniques to solve the structural properties of nanoparticles in inorganic material.
Since 2000, Dr Murthy has coordinated the Titration Competition for high school students studying chemistry in Darwin and Alice Springs, and invited year 12 students to conduct Spectroscopy and Chromatography experiments at CDU labs.
In the last five years, she played a lead role in organising community activities for Chemistry Week and National Science Week, and for the past two decades, competitions such as crystal growing and the ‘Cowlcium award’ for local schools.
“One of the most rewarding aspect for me is that some of my chemistry students are now teaching chemistry at different high schools, and they bring their students with great enthusiasm to the chemistry events we organise.”
The annual awards acknowledge academics, students, teachers, industry professionals who promote science and technology in schools and communities.
CDU information technology and engineering lecturer Dr Cat Kutay and students won Best Innovative project, while Dr Mariana Campbell and Dr David Ompong received the Australian Institute of Policy & Science’s NT Young Tall Poppy awards.
CDU student Birendra Kunwar and Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods PhD candidate Vanessa Solano were also recognised as Inspired NT Volunteer and Postgraduate Student of the Year respectively.
Inspired NT manager Sarah Sutcliffe said the awards recognise a variety of science enthusiasts and projects.
"Science and technology play a vital role in the Territory, and it's essential to recognise the individuals who go above and beyond to promote these fields,” Ms Sutcliffe said.
“We're proud to support and celebrate the outstanding contributions of academics, students, teachers, and industry professionals who make science accessible and exciting for everyone."