ABOUT US
Meet our awesome STEAM Powered Kids Team. We are a group of passionate STEM advocates, who are in STEM professions and are working hard to provide high quality programs for students.
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Nirasha Welikala
Founder/Director
B.Eng Elec (Hons), MEM
Nirasha has over 20+ years’ experience in various engineering and technology companies, such as IBM, Tyco, Dyno Nobel, Lactalis and Schneider Electric. She has a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master in Engineering Management. She also has a certificate IV in training and assessment. Her expertise is in , process improvement methodologies, industrial engineering, manufacturing, electronics and training. She has designed and developed several training programs for adults and children. She founded this company to encourage and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers.
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Sandra Murphy
Lead Educator
Grad Dip in Education
Sandra Murphy studied at Sydney University and University of Western Sydney to receive her Education degree to teach in Computing Studies, Information Technology, TAS (woodwork, Metal, textiles work and (3D printing in 2010)). She has taught VET certificates in Information Technology and IDMT (Digital Media) and has her certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She has taught in schools in NSW and QLD both private and public school systems. Ms Murphy has been teaching Digital technology and STEM subjects for last 13 years. She has taught coding and robotics and is interesting in developing gaming design and development. She is a specialist teacher in the Education sector.
Heather Collins
Educator
Masters Primary Ed. (Pending)
Eric Tram
Educator
Bachelor of Engineering (Mech)
Heather has moved back from the U.S, where she was a qualified teacher and STEM specialist at a primary school in Denver, Colorado, for five years. She enjoyed teaching her students about the Engineering Design Process, coding, green screens, and team-building through problem-solving and design. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Primary Education at Griffith University, so she can be qualified to teach in Queensland. Before teaching in the traditional education setting, Heather taught in the outdoor education setting - backpacking, kayaking, ropes courses, rock-climbing, etc. She hopes to facilitate growth and confidence in students through adventure, collaborative work, and leadership opportunities. She's excited about providing exposure to STEM topics and activities with STEAM Powered Kids.
Eric has a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechanical have been employed in a few engineering businesses. He also has experience in the media industry providing photography & videography for more of the commercial field. Eric also provides marketing consultations as well and graphic design.
Ava Choi
Educator
Bachelor of Science(Hons) Marine Biology
Ava has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Biology and had been a Scuba Diving Instructor since graduated from Griffith University. Before moving to Australia, she worked as an educator in art and early education. She enjoys doing hands on activities that promote creativity and critical thinking with her students. Ava is multilingual, who is also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. She is excited to share her passion for science and the ocean with everyone through diverse STEM activities with STEAM Powered Kids
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Elizabete Oliveira
Educator
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Elisabete has a Veterinary Science degree in Brazil, her home country, where she worked as a Vet for many years. She moved to Australia and decided to shift her career into human medicine. She is graduating in Biomedical Science at Southern Cross University and will continue her studies in the neuroscience research field. She is very excited about interacting and sharing her knowledge with STEAM Powered students.
Consultants:
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Prof. Ghazaleh Taherzadeh, Ph.D, MSc - Dr. Gazelle Taherzadeh received her PhD in Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) from School of Information and Communication Technology, Griffith University, Australia. She received her bachelor’s degree in software engineering in 2010, and her MSc degree in artificial intelligence in 2013.
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Tara Edwards, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, B.Sc, Dip in Management.