Dr Jessica Bohorquez is announced as a Superstar of STEM

Ricardo, a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy, is delighted to share that Dr Jessica Bohorquez, a Water Systems Engineer with our Energy and Environment team in Adelaide, has today been announced as one of Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM.

Jessica is one of 60 diverse brilliant scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians who want to step into the media spotlight as STEM experts – and will be officially announced today by the Australian Government’s Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP.

Congratulating the newest Superstars of STEM on stepping into the public arena to help inspire the next generations of diverse young Australians into STEM, Minister Husic said: “The need to boost diversity in our science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector is urgent. There are huge skills shortages that can be addressed if we put our minds and collective effort to it – which means we have to draw deeply on our nation’s expertise from all corners of the community. By doing so, we can deliver a stellar boost to our national economy and enable Australia to meet the growing demand for STEM-trained workers.”

“I've always been a fan of the way the Superstars of STEM programme pushes to deliver a diverse STEM workforce and ensures the next generation of scientists and technologists have visible role models. “I just know these talented experts and communicators will play their part inspiring Australia’s young people – from all backgrounds – into science and technology.”

Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the programme gave women and non-binary talent in STEM crucial skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media. She observed: “We know it’s really hard to be what you can’t see. That’s why this game-changing program is helping to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like.”

“By becoming highly visible role models in the media, these Superstars of STEM are showing our diverse next generations of young people - especially our girls and non-binary kids - that STEM is for them. Superstars of STEM is powerfully shifting the dial on diversity in Australia’s science and technology sectors. The Australian Government's investment in this world-leading programme is bolstering diversity in a sector that will shape our future economy. We are so grateful for it.”

Jessica supports Ricardo’s hydraulic modelling capability and has participated in concept design of water infrastructure and water systems operation projects. Jessica said she was thrilled to have been chosen from a highly-competitive national field, commenting: “Embarking on a challenge to inspire young people to join STEM fields is exciting and a big responsibility but I am looking forward to using my experience and future vision to communicate the importance of STEM careers for the water industry.”

Chris Hewitson, Director at Ricardo said: “Everyone at Ricardo is delighted that Jess has been announced as a Superstar of STEM. This is a wonderful testament to Jess’s professional expertise as an engineer, as well as her tremendous skills as an eloquent and engaging communicator of how technology can be utilised to better understand and improve our natural and lived environments.”

“Addressing climate change is our global society’s biggest challenge right now, and it is so important that Jess can act as a high profile and charismatic role model to inspire the next generation of engineers - and future ‘superstars’ to pursue a career that will help to create a safe and sustainable world for the future.”

Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources The next 60 Superstars of STEM will join the programme in 2023 and 2024.

Through a highly competitive selection process, the programme selects 60 women and non-binary STEM experts and gives them the training, confidence, networks and experience to become sought-after media commentators as experts in their fields.