Dr Alessandra Sutti is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, where she leads a team focused in polymer and textiles research. At IFM, Ale leads a team whose mission is to bring greater “circularity” in the world of materials manufacturing, especially textiles. The team is also investigating aspects such as the marine degradability of textile materials, to inform their design of new materials and processes towards a more sustainable future.
Ale’s “spare time” is spent in supporting efforts in environmental education world-wide, through The GLOBE Program, a US Global environmental education Program sponsored by NASA. Ale leads a world-wide microplastics monitoring protocol trial, collaboration with GLOBE Italy. The trial has so far involved over 10,000 students and 500 teachers in 20 countries, with many students, teachers and communities involved.
Dr Lavenia Ratnarajah is a marine biogeochemist, currently investigating the mechanisms that drive carbon export in the Southern Ocean, through the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership. Lavy has worked on projects and with research organisations in Europe, the Americas and across the Asia-Pacific, including conducting fieldwork in Antarctica.
In 2023, Lavy launched Project E.V.E – Empowerment Via Education – with the aim of engaging school students with contemporary research and related problem solving.
This conversation was enjoyed on the 14th August, 5pm AEST as we explore both important citizen science projects and consider their role in climate change education.