DEECA scientist speaks on the importance of diversity in STEM

Jessica S Hunt, Gas Reform (Roadmap) manager at DEECA, highlights the many possibilities of careers in STEM ahead of tomorrow’s? International Day of Women and Girls in Science??

Leading on the Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, Jessica says that everyone has a part to play in supporting Victoria’s transition to renewable energy.??

In one sentence, can you tell us what your job entails???

I lead on the Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, a project aimed at helping Victoria to transition to renewable energy sources while meeting our zero emissions targets, cutting energy bills and ensuring reliability.???

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM???

I had an unconventional entry into STEM. As a teenager, I was a volunteer firefighter and thought that would be my career. There is a lot of science and maths involved when mitigating the effects of fire, and the more I did this I realised I wanted to work in science. I wanted to apply my skills more directly, so chose to study chemical engineering where I was able to work in processing plants and explore potential solutions to ensure everyone has access to the products and energy they need to live their lives.????

How has your experience in working as a chemical engineer helped to shape your role in government???

I worked in mining and manufacturing across a range of heavy industries for 15 years before joining the public sector. There’re a lot of similarities between engineering roles and government – they’re in vast organisations with established processes, which need to be navigated to achieve your desired results. Having industry experience has helped me shape policies which are backed by science and use data to increase the chances of positive results.??

Can you tell us about the energy transition work you’re involved in???

The transition away from fossil gas is important for several reasons. On a household scale, electrification can save a lot of money, but also gas use in Victoria makes up about 16 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, so transitioning will leave a better planet for our future generations.??

Finally, gas supply in Victoria is declining, so electrification in households will leave the future supply of renewable gas for industry. Industrial processes often require large amounts of heat and energy, so if more households switch to electric then it will be cheaper for them and allow us to prioritise gas for the industries which need it most.??

In your opinion what more can be done to support women in entering STEM careers???

STEM can be a gateway to so many different careers. When we picture engineers, we tend to imagine a male, elbows deep in an engine, or hunched over a spreadsheet to build a bridge. But it is so much more than that.??

My colleagues do everything from engineering, government policy, business management, teaching, healthcare and banking. At its heart, STEM is open to everyone who is passionate about developing solutions, regardless of their gender.???

Why should someone pursue a career or education in STEM???

It’s easy to think that what you study will solely determine your path. However, throughout your career you will make so many different decisions which will take you in all sorts of directions. Undertaking studies in STEM is one way to give yourself a really strong foundation where you can pivot to a variety of purpose driven roles.??

What advice would you give to any young woman who is interested in pursuing a career in STEM???

Do it! Come and speak to myself or one of the thousands of fantastic female STEM practitioners in the country. If you’re feeling nervous about any aspect of a career in STEM, we can share our experiences and give advice on navigating your pathway. The best results in society are achieved through diversity, so please, come and join us!?

For more information on the work Jessica is involved in, see Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap. And if you are interested in learning more about electrifying your home, see:? Save with an all-electric home. ?