Suzy Urbaniak
NationalityAustralian
EducationAustralian National University
Edith Cowan University
Occupation(s)Science teacher, former geologist
Known forFounder of the Centre of Resources Excellence (CoRE) program
Awards2016 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching

Suzy Urbaniak is an Australian science teacher and former geologist known for her teaching methods and the establishment of the Centre of Resources Excellence (CoRE) program. She has been teaching Earth sciences at Kent Street Senior High School in Perth, Western Australia since 2004. Urbaniak received the 2016 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching for her skills-based teaching program and contributions to the field of education.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

Urbaniak attended the Australian National University from 1984 to 1988, where she studied geology and received several student accolades. She then graduated with a Diploma of Secondary Education from Edith Cowan University in 2003.[4]

Career

Following her graduation, Urbaniak worked as a geologist for Newcrest Mining. In 2004, she transitioned to a career in education, becoming a science teacher at Kent Street Senior High School in Perth.[5][6] Her teaching approach focuses on developing young scientists by emphasizing hands-on learning, field trips, and real-world scientific practices.[7]

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Urbaniak has launched various initiatives to promote earth sciences and STEM principles in her curriculum. She introduced the bi-annual Kent Street Women in Mining Day, which provides female students with networking opportunities and hands-on activities related to the mining industry. Urbaniak also organized the Curtin University Mining Challenge at Kent Street SHS, which aims to introduce primary school students to careers in mining.[5]

Urbaniak's efforts to establish the Centre of Resources Excellence (CoRE) program have gained recognition from the Australian Geoscience Council, which applauded her vision in creating a foundation for students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for careers in science and engineering.[8][9]

Awards and recognition

Urbaniak has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to science education, most notably the 2016 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching.[6][3] She was also nominated for Western Australia's "Australian of the Year" award.[10][8][11] In 2018, she was included in the WA Women's Hall of Fame.[12][13] Her story was featured in Cristy Burne's Aussie STEM Stars book series, titled "Suzy Urbaniak: Volcano Hunter and STEAM Warrior", published by the Wild Dingo Press in February 2023.[14][15]

Personal life

Urbaniak is a mother of three children.

References

  1. ↑ "Mindset shift at core of STEAM". Business News. 2020-02-17. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  2. ↑ "Women lead way trying to change the world". The West Australian. 2018-03-07. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  3. 1 2 "Perth teacher 'making kids scientists from word go' wins PM's gong". ABC News. 2016-10-19. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  4. ↑ "Suzy Urbaniak | ANU Research School of Earth Sciences". earthsciences.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  5. 1 2 "Suzy Urbaniak – WIMWA Award for Outstanding Initiative in Promoting and Supporting Women in Mining | Women In Mining WA". womeninmining.com. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  6. 1 2 "Meet Suzy Urbaniak, who is turning school students into real scientists". Topics. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  7. ↑ "Passion for science wins out over books". The West Australian. 2016-10-19. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  8. 1 2 Granger, Dale (2020-01-27). "Pioneering WA Geoscience teacher praised for key 'Australian of the Year' nomination". PESA - Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  9. ↑ "Geoscientist taking students to the field honoured". Mining. 2020-01-28. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  10. ↑ "2020 WA Australian of the Year Award recipients announced". Auspire - Australia Day Council of Western Australia. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  11. ↑ "Suzy Urbaniak". Australian of the Year. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  12. ↑ "Western Australia, is our next Australian of the Year someone you know?". Farm Weekly. 2020-07-01. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  13. ↑ "Suzy Urbaniak Recognised for Extraordinary Teaching". RTRFM / The Sound Alternative. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  14. ↑ Soup, Alphabet (2023-02-23). "Cristy Burne on Suzy Urbaniak: Volcano Hunter and STEAM Warrior". Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  15. ↑ Admin (2023-04-16). "Suzi Urbaniak: Volcano Hunter and STEAM Warrior (Aussie STEM Stars)". Reading Time. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
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