On 2 December, the first Women in Innovation and STEM (WISTEM) networking event was held at the Darwin Innovation Hub.
Over 40 professional business women attended the event with presentations from Naomi Anstess, Managing Director of SaltBlack and Emma Nesbitt from the Darwin Innovation Hub before a networking session. Attendees of the event were encouraged to join the WISTEM network with the first committee meeting of the network scheduled for the 15 December.
In addition to networking, the NT 2020 Young Tall Poppy Science Award was presented with Dr Carla Eisemburg from Charles Darwin University the worthy recipient.
Dr Eisemberg’s research focuses on relationships between wildlife ecology, harvest and conservation practices to assist communities to manage their resources. Wild meat is an important source of nutrients to remote communities. However, changes in harvesting technology and accessibility have increased the pressure on these resources.
Her research on the northern long-necked turtle has showed that its meat has an extremely high concentration of iron. The results of her research have the potential to influence future health programs addressing anaemia, as well as an inspiration for Aboriginal enterprises in remote communities, such as turtle farming and sustainable harvest.
Dr Eisemberg also studies wildlife conservation and management practices in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Brazilian Amazon. By comparing areas located in different regions of the globe but similar in weather and remoteness, her research identifies patterns and solutions towards wildlife conservation through local economic benefits and sustainable use.