Biography

Dr Jen Parsons is a project manager and STEM Education professional. She has been with CSIRO since 2011 and also has many years’ experience working in tertiary education, with government and the not-for-profit sector. Jen is an advocate for experiential learning - engaging students through real world experiences - and has led students on many field adventures in Australia and overseas.

Jen's science area is in ecology, completing a BSc (hons) and PhD at James Cook University in North Queensland. Throughout her career she has worked in remote areas and with Indigenous communities in Northern Australia. Jen is a campaigner for greater equity and diversity in STEM fields and believes that inclusion, education and access are good catalysts for change.

As the ASSETS Program Manager, Jen is responsible for the management and delivery of national STEM summer schools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 10 students and an ongoing leadership and support program for alumni.