From Physics Skills to Careers

If you cannot pay via creditcard but would like to register, please email: [email protected]

Every physio exercise, climate model, smartphone, and risk assessment relies on physics principles.
A fundamental understanding of physics equips students with powerful analytical and problem-solving skills that are valued far beyond science.

This day invites Science Teachers and Career Practitioners to

• Explore why physics is essential for a wide range of unexpected careers
• Gain concrete examples you can share with students and parents
• Rethink physics as a versatile foundation rather than a niche subject
• Hear from Alumni how physics has helped them in their (non-physics) career

More information and the Program:

https://physics.unimelb.edu.au/engage/schools#teacher-information-days

If you can't attend in person, you can attend the lectures via zoom here

Info: James McCaw is Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Melbourne and an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow (2024-28). James was originally trained in theoretical physics, he pivoted to infectious disease epidemiology in 2005—bringing a physicist’s lens to the dynamic world of disease modeling. His work bridges disciplines, uniting experts in mathematics, biology, computer science, and public health to build quantitative models that reveal how infectious diseases spread and how interventions shape outcomes.

His expertise became vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, where James advised Australian government bodies as an invited expert, contributing to key public health decisions—from border closures to quarantine policies—using quantitative models grounded in dynamical systems theory.

Info: Daniel McCloskey is a McKenzie postdoctoral fellow in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. His main research focus is the application of quantum and optoelectronic sensors for detecting bioelectric signals with high spatial resolution, with the end goal of facilitating new knowledge in fundamental neuroscience as well as enabling better understanding of neurological and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. He also conducts experimental research in surface and materials science, semiconductor physics, and photonics with a focus on developing and enhancing these sensors. Daniel received B. Eng (engineering physics) and B. Sc (applied mathematics) degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2017, and is a recipient of the Canada Governor General’s Academic Medal. He received his PhD (physics) from the University of Melbourne in 2021.

Info: First year Labs and Research Labs

Info: Caroline Poulsen is a University of Melbourne‑trained scientist whose career has traced an extraordinary arc across physics, satellite science, climate and weather research. After completing a science degree in Melbourne, Caroline pursued a PhD in particle physics working on the NOMAD experiment which aimed to detect the appearance of tau neutrinos at CERN. Her career then took her to the United Kingdom, where she joined the UK Met Office as a satellite scientist, working at the interface of Earth observation, weather prediction, and space‑based instrumentation.

Caroline later moved to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire contributing to the creation of long‑term satellite climate records, with a particular focus on cloud properties and their role in the global climate system. Her work there supported international climate monitoring efforts and advanced understanding of how satellite data can capture subtle atmospheric changes over decades.

Info: Dr. Rachel Challis - Director, Strategy, Governance and Risk at the Victorian Auditor-General's Office
Dr. Mitchell Knight - Manager in the Government Incentive Team at EY

Prof. Alicia Oshlack - did her PhD in Astrophysics and is now working as Head of the Computational Biology Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Dr. Ascelin Gordon - PhD in Physics, now working in the Sustainability and Urban Planning program in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Hercus Theatre, Parkville, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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