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The Women in STEM Alumni network (WiSAN) invites you to our highly anticipated inaugural event of 2024: Crafting your Professional Identity Panel Event. WiSAN has curated an exceptional panel of accomplished STEM women who will generously share their insights on enhancing personal branding and its significance.  

Whether you are a seasoned professional, a recent graduate, or a social media guru, this event promises to equip you with valuable tools and strategies that can be used to increase your network and support your career journey. 

We have assembled the following superstar panel:

Dr Hannah Wardill
Hospital Research Foundation Group Fellow & Head of the Supportive Oncology Research Group, SAHMRI

Dr Hannah Wardill is a Hospital Research Foundation Group Fellow and Head of the Supportive Oncology Research Group at SAHMRI. Dr Wardill's specialist expertise understanding how cancer therapies like chemotherapy damage the delicate ecosystem of microbes in the gut, and how these changes drive adverse treatment side effects. She has trained both locally and overseas, founded her own blog #pooisNOTtaboo and volunteers for societies such as Lynch Syndrome Australia (scientific ambassador). Hannah was also recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the largest supportive care organisation in the world, using this opportunity to shine light on the consequences of cancer treatment and the need to better support people living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. 

Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk
SA Government’s Chief Information Officer, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australia

Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk is SA Government’s Chief Information Officer, in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australia. With her team, Eva provides critical whole of government technology and cyber security services including email, Whole of Govt Watch Desk, connectivity and collaboration tools that enable more than 100,000 public servants to deliver services to the South Australian community. Eva's team also drives whole of government strategies for matters including artificial intelligence, connectivity and digital inclusion that impact all agencies. Prior to this role, Eva worked for Microsoft in Europe, Asia and Australia, including State Director for Microsoft South Australia. Eva has a PhD in innovation and entrepreneurship from the ³ÉÈË´óƬ, with her thesis focused on the business model strategies of non-profit social enterprises. Eva is Founder of HerTechPath, a grass-roots social enterprise dedicated to celebrating and inspiring careers for women and girls in the technology sector. Eva also contributes as a Director for Novita that provides services to people living with a disability, and she is a Trustee of the History Trust of South Australia. 

Dr Jessica Bohorquez
Senior Consultant, Ricardo & Researcher, The ³ÉÈË´óƬ

Dr Jessica Bohorquez is on a mission to increase everyone’s water curiosity. She is a Water Engineer specialising in delivering infrastructure projects for private organizations, water utilities, and government entities. Jessica exemplifies the shaping of a professional identity and personal brand, showcasing expertise, passion, and leadership in the water industry.  Currently serving as a Senior Consultant at Ricardo and a Researcher at The ³ÉÈË´óƬ, Jessica also volunteers for the Australian Water Association. Additionally, she is the Founder and Host of Our Water Connection, a water industry podcast. Her career is marked by a commitment to discipline, effective engineering, research communication, and empathy, advocating for collaboration among STEM professionals to address future challenges in the dynamic water sector. 

Dr Melissa Humphries
Senior Lecturer, School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The ³ÉÈË´óƬ

Dr Melissa Humphries is a Senior Lecturer from the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences. As an ex-chef who now specialises in statistics and cognitive modelling, Mel had a non-traditional pathway into mathematics. Her journey reflects a unique blend of diverse experiences and expertise. Mel's vibrant enthusiasm, coupled with her psychological training, fuels her passion for demystifying mathematics and statistics. As an exceptional ambassador for women in STEM, Melissa inspires and empowers others to pursue their interests and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

If you cannot make it in person, the event will also be streamed online.  WiSAN represents and connects more than 17,000 alumni.  We place a strong focus on developing a supportive, diverse and inspiring community.