From Marie Curie to Ada Lovelace, women have been integral to the history of invention, research, and development in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. There are many strong women working in these areas here in Perth, and yet, all too often they are made invisible, or sometimes placed under enormous pressure, simply because of their gender. Rule Breakers was a story collecting project focusing on women working in STEMM at Curtin University. The stories collected share the individual and unique stories and achievements of women in Perth. This collaboration aims to enlighten academics, fellow researchers, future students, and the general public, in order to value, recognise and herald the importance of these women. This is our opportunity to celebrate the work of women in these areas, to share in their pursuit of excellence, and to listen to the important lessons they teach everyone no matter where we are. Dr Zoe Brafield is Vice President of the Australian College of Midwives, a lecturer at the School of Nursing at Curtin University, and a feminist empowering midwives, mothers and families. Zoe Bradfield's story is about chasing your dreams, supporting women, and fighting back against the casual sexism women endure every day.

Centre for Stories

Zoe Bradfield

From Marie Curie to Ada Lovelace, women have been integral to the history of invention, research, and development in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. There are many strong women working in these areas here in Perth, and yet, all too often they are made invisible, or sometimes placed under enormous pressure, simply because of their gender. Rule Breakers was a story collecting project focusing on women working in STEMM at Curtin University. The stories collected share the individual and unique stories and achievements of women in Perth. This collaboration aims to enlighten academics, fellow researchers, future students, and the general public, in order to value, recognise and herald the importance of these women. This is our opportunity to celebrate the work of women in these areas, to share in their pursuit of excellence, and to listen to the important lessons they teach everyone no matter where we are. Prof Sonya Girdler is Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG) and a Professor at Curtin University’s School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. Her research is directed at improving the participation of autistic individuals in major life areas such as employment and education. In this story, Sonya shares memories of her life growing up in regional Western Australia - and the many hurdles she jumped to make it in the big smoke. Her story is as much about growing up as it is about her life's mentors: her grandmother's unconditional love and her colleagues' support. Sonya shares a special connection between the two.

Sonya Girdler

From Marie Curie to Ada Lovelace, women have been integral to the history of invention, research, and development in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. There are many strong women working in these areas here in Perth, and yet, all too often they are made invisible, or sometimes placed under enormous pressure, simply because of their gender. Rule Breakers was a story collecting project focusing on women working in STEMM at Curtin University. The stories collected share the individual and unique stories and achievements of women in Perth. This collaboration aims to enlighten academics, fellow researchers, future students, and the general public, in order to value, recognise and herald the importance of these women. This is our opportunity to celebrate the work of women in these areas, to share in their pursuit of excellence, and to listen to the important lessons they teach everyone no matter where we are. Dr Laura Machuca Suarez is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. Laura is an environmental microbiologist and a corrosion subject matter expert (SME) whose research activities focus on the interaction of microbes with metals particularly the field of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion. Laura's story is about strength, breaking out of the patriarchy, and her biggest idol - her mother. "In Colombia it matters whose daughter you are. I'm not the daughter of a rich mother and father. The way it goes traditionally in my home country is that it is expected for a woman to get married and stay at home raising a family, totally depending on their husbands financially."

Laura Machuca

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Falcon. It features storyteller Martha Weruing.

Backstories – Martha Weruing

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Falcon. It features storyteller Carolina Allen.

Backstories – Carolina Allen

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Falcon. It features storyteller Alana Grant.

Backstories – Alana Grant

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Mount Lawley. It features storyteller Rita Khouri.

Backstories – Rita Khouri

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Mount Lawley. It features storyteller Ryan Steed.

Backstories – Ryan Steed

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Midland. It features storyteller, Valerie Ogoke. Content warning: This story contains themes of miscarriage.

Valerie Ogoke

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Midland. It features storyteller, Khaseta Chase.

Khaseta Chase

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Hamersley. It features storyteller, Prunella Riddle.

Prunella Riddle

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Hamersley. It features storyteller, Kosta Lucas. Content warning: This story contains themes of cultism.

Kosta Lucas

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in Nedlands. It features storyteller, Eduardo Araújo.

Eduardo Araújo

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in South Fremantle. It features storyteller Ron Bradfield.

Backstories – Ron Bradfield

This story was collected at Backstories 2021 in South Fremantle. It features storyteller Simone Dempster.

Backstories – Simone Dempster

The Centre for Stories is a vibrant, inclusive literary arts and cultural organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. We use storytelling to inspire social cohesion and improve understanding of diverse communities. We cultivate stories that inspire thought, spark empathy and challenge intolerance, with a focus on empowering people whose experiences and perspectives are often marginalised. New podcast episodes in 2020!