Matt Abercromby is a technologist specialising in strategy and growth. He leads Certifications at WiseTech Academy, where he builds industry-recognised credentials that open career pathways into the supply chain and help logistics professionals advance their skills. Matt is passionate about the global supply chain, in particular, how it works and why it matters. Outside work, you’ll find him coaching one of his sons’ soccer teams, mowing the lawn, or attempting to finish a series of YA sci-fi novels.

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Jady Smith has worn many hats, starting with ecotourism at Australian resorts. He has worked internationally on several important initiatives, including Cambodia’s first biodiversity policy, agro-biodiversity projects in Laos, marine protection efforts in Vietnam, sanitation improvements in Indonesia, post-tsunami recovery in the Maldives, REDD+ initiatives in Thailand, and heritage management in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. For two decades, Jady has been involved in efforts in Cambodia to mitigate floods and droughts while enhancing community livelihoods at the Angkor World Heritage site. Though he has a diverse background, he consistently learns from nature and explores the potential of water management to support wildfire mitigation.

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As a former international environmental investigator, Fien Van den Steen transitioned to a sustainability manager role for tech startups on the Sunshine Coast. She is driven to bridge the gap between global environmental policy and localised practice. Locally, Fien launched the award-winning UniSC Enactus club, which focuses on social entrepreneurship for students, and co-founded the Upskilling Sustainability Initiative to promote collective knowledge and action. On a global scale, she actively contributes to environmental politics as a committee member of the United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals and the Queensland state committee, while also leading the Australian Earth Charter division.

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Rebecca Burtenshaw is a teacher and researcher with more than a decade of experience in diverse classrooms across Australia. Now completing her PhD in Mathematics Education at UniSC, she investigates how narrow definitions of “success” shape metrics such as grades and test scores, as well as what is valued and overlooked in learning and classrooms. Rebecca has seen firsthand how these signals shape students’ self-belief, often convincing them they are not “maths people” or “smart enough.” Her work challenges this mismatch between what we know about learning and what systems prioritise, reimagining education’s purpose in our communities.

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Marcelo Teles Sattin is a lecturer, executive coach, and PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast, researching creativity, resilience, and psychological capital in organisational settings. With over 15 years of experience in leadership training, creativity, and innovation, including postgraduate teaching in Brazil, he brings both academic and practical expertise. Marcelo is also an accomplished magician, using performance to illustrate complex ideas in engaging ways.

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Bonnie Quigley looks at very small biology to make a very big difference in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Earning her PhD in 2007, Dr Quigley is a molecular biologist who investigates how our genetics and body chemistry impact the development and treatment of PTSD. As the leader of the Molecular Biology research program within the National PTSD Research Centre at UniSC’s Thompson Institute and a Lecturer in Trauma and Translational Research, Bonnie seeks to connect the body to the mind in our understanding of PTSD and help people understand that mental health is not all in your head.

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Tony Meyer is a high-performance leader with 20+ years of experience building athletes, coaches, and systems that win. As National High Performance Director at Golf Australia and Head of Team Operations & Player Strategy at Ripper GC, he designs pathways, supports elite teams and mentors leaders. Trained in sport science and education, Tony blends data, clarity, and care to drive sustainable results. He has coached and led programs for world-class golfers, created performance frameworks adopted across Australia, and advises executives on culture, communication, and decision-making under pressure. In 2024, he was named an Outstanding Alumni of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

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Alise Fox is a fisheries stock assessment scientist, science communicator, and advocate for gender and neurodivergent representation in STEM. She uses mathematics and ecology to inform sustainable fisheries management and is passionate about making science accessible, playful, and deeply human. Instead of viewing difference as a limitation, Alise champions it as a source of fresh insight, creativity, and connection. A Queensland Women in STEM Prize winner and Superstar of STEM, she shares this perspective through speaking, outreach, and storytelling —inspiring people to embrace curiosity and value the unique paths that shape who we are. 

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Cel is an author, advocate for student success, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Her work has been featured by TEDx, Prospects UK, and the Business Graduates Association. She’s completing a Master of Social Work at UniSC and won the AASW Social Work Student of the Year 2024. Cel serves as Co-chair of the ISG, a Wellbeing Ambassador, and member of the UniSC Education Committee, equipping students with confidence and skills to thrive.

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Belinda is the TEDx staff liaison and has 12+ years in Higher Education, focusing on student engagement and employability. She’s the Student Partnerships Coordinator at UniSC, and also coordinates the Student Voice Australasia Network at UniSQ, empowering students through advocacy and leadership. Belinda is passionate, organized, and committed to inclusive environments that enhance the student experience and amplify student voices.

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Crowther is the 2025 TEDx UniSC Curator. With a person-centred approach and background in health, leadership, and communication, he builds spaces for powerful ideas. He’s led diverse teams and organized events across university, health, and coaching sectors. For Crowther, TEDx is about more than speakers—it’s a platform for shared humanity, challenging perspectives, and inspiring audiences through meaningful connection and authentic storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.

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Danna, originally from San Francisco, moved to Australia to pursue a PhD in Health at UniSC. Her research focuses on reducing dementia risk in rural communities. She joined TEDx believing UniSC holds remarkable research and unique qualities. Danna sees TEDx as a powerful platform to showcase these innovations to a wider audience, helping bridge the gap between academic insight and public understanding through storytelling and community engagement.

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Katelin is studying a Bachelor of Business/Design at UniSC, majoring in Visual Communication and Marketing. As an aspiring graphic designer and lifelong learner, she joined TEDx for its focus on creativity, growth, and powerful ideas. Katelin is excited to step outside her comfort zone and help spark positive change in the community by contributing her skills and passion to a team that values innovation and meaningful collaboration.

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Aliyah is a communications and marketing professional based on the Sunshine Coast, with experience in content strategy, social media, email marketing, and brand storytelling. She’s worked on campaigns for both consumer and B2B audiences and loves creating meaningful, community-focused content. Currently, she’s the Executive and Marketing Assistant at Thrive Tallow and studying Communications. Aliyah joined TEDx to support purpose-driven storytelling and share ideas that inspire, connect, and make a difference.

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As the Marketing Liaison for TEDx University of the Sunshine Coast, Kylie brings strong expertise in partnerships coordination. She supports the development and delivery of the event through brand management, community engagement, and partnership strategy. Kylie is passionate about empowering students to create a world-class TEDx experience that reflects the spirit, creativity, and innovation of the Sunshine Coast community.

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Fiona is a strategic communication and design professional with over 15 years’ experience shaping inclusive, high-impact events and initiatives. As TEDxUniSC Event Manager, she draws on a deep background in cultural programming, stakeholder engagement, and research-led storytelling. Her work spans visual communication, political trust, and accessible design. Fiona is the founder of Claveo, a studio dedicated to translating complex ideas into clarity and connection. She sees TEDx as a catalyst - when thoughtfully designed, it transforms ideas into experiences that move people and spark change. 

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Sue began her IT career in 1999 working across various corporate business functions, delivering projects locally and internationally. She completed her MBA and is now studying her Master’s in ICT while also teaching business and technology courses at UniSC. She has managed many technology-based events and conferences on a global scale over the years, enjoying the challenge of creating well planned and engaging experiences.

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Taylor is a research student, casual academic, speaker, and writer. He’s a former Warner Records songwriter with multi-platinum credits. Taylor has presented at TEDx events in the U.S. and guest lectured at Penn State, Georgetown, and Minnesota State University. His creative and academic work bridges storytelling and education, helping audiences connect with ideas that inspire, challenge, and transform through music, writing, and public speaking.

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Noomi is a Bachelor of Business student at UniSC and TEDx Sponsorship and Budgeting Manager. She’s passionate about creating experiences that connect and inspire. Noomi loves learning from new perspectives and believes TEDx sparks meaningful change. With curiosity and a love for community building, she’s excited to shape an impactful event that challenges thinking, encourages growth, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

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Steph is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries at UniSC. Passionate about creativity and film, she began making trailers and music videos in high school. Now, she’s focused on bringing her creative visions to life. Steph joined TEDx to explore storytelling, grow her skills, and contribute to a team that values imagination, collaboration, and ideas that make a difference in the community and beyond.

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Max is a freelance videographer studying Creative Industries at UniSC, majoring in screen media and theatre/performance. He films and edits creative and corporate content and enjoys volunteering his videography skills. Max joined TEDx to support storytelling through visual media, collaborate with a passionate team, and help bring powerful ideas to life on screen in ways that resonate with audiences and inspire change.

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Isaac is a communication student at UniSC with a background in football and fitness. His passion is storytelling through video, helping people and brands express authentic narratives. In a noisy digital world, Isaac believes real stories make a difference. That’s why he’s excited to be part of TEDx—to help people share their stories and ideas in a way that feels intentional, creative, and truly impactful.

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