Renée has been on the road to giving a jaw-dropping science experience to 1 million children ever since she landed in the UK in 2000 with a mere €16 to her name. On the way, she has raised more than €4.5 million for emerging scientific research charities, won awards for STEM leadership and role modelling and in 2016 launched The Curiosity Box, a STEM activity subscription box, that is now sold across the EU, Australia and South Korea.
Born in rural Australia, science proved to be Renée’s catalyst for exploration and discovery, sparking her imagination early and leading to a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. Her early experience working with the science community, inspired a new goal. To shatter the preconceived ideas about the world of STEM, and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of background, financial status or gender. Her achievements so far have earned her a place on Melinda Gates’ list of six women in STEM to watch.
Currently, Renée is taking on the UK primary education system, championing a move away from test-led classrooms and back to celebrating a child’s innate inquisitive nature through curiosity-led learning. Her thoughts on the future of STEM education are being discussed in classrooms and family homes all the way to Westminster.
All roads lead to explosions for Renée – from blasting mini rockets at schools, igniting a child’s confidence to pursue a career in STEM, or firing the ambition of the many STEMists that she mentors. She also plans to set the rugby pitch alight in 2019 when she’ll co-captain the Europe over 35s team at the Touch Rugby World Cup.