About
Welcome to Future You, a UNSW Sydney initiative that is hosted at UNSW Sydney and co-funded by the Optiver Foundation and the Faculties of Science at UNSW Sydney and The University of Sydney.
Future You ignites curiosity in kids aged 8 to 12 about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
Our free program offers engaging resources for teachers, parents, and students, connecting real-world STEM skills with the Australian Curriculum. Our practical activities make STEM relevant and exciting, showing kids how it applies to everyday life and real-world challenges.
We emphasise diversity, showcasing a wide range of STEM role models to inspire all students. Our STEM fiction stories transport kids to the future, sparking their imagination about the possibilities in STEM careers.
Families are key to this journey. Future You provides tools and information to help parents engage with their children’s STEM education, making learning a family affair.
Join us in exploring the exciting world of STEM with Future You, where imagination meets education, and every child can discover their passion.
Meet the team
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Program Ambassador.
Lisa is an award-winning astrophysicist and author with a gift for making the universe accessible to all. With over 55 research papers and key roles in the development and operation of radio telescopes globally, her contributions to astronomy are many.
Lisa’s passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond research. She’s a best-selling author and an engaging keynote speaker. Her books have received national and international acclaim, and she’s a familiar face from ABC’s Stargazing Live. Lisa has also hosted live events featuring Apollo Moon astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, captivating audiences in sold-out theatres across the country. On top of all of that, she’s passionate about getting your students excited about the amazing and rewarding career possibilities within STEM.
Professor Lisa A. Williams, Program Director
Lisa is a renowned social psychologist whose research explores the intricate relationship between emotional experiences and social interactions. As an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, Lisa leads innovative research projects examining emotions in various settings.
Lisa’s dedication to emotional science is matched by her commitment to gender equity in STEM. She serves as the Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Faculty of Science at UNSW Sydney. In this role, she champions inclusive practices and policies, striving to create a supportive environment for all. Lisa’s advocacy ensures that diversity and equity remain central to the academic and scientific community, fostering a culture of respect and opportunity.
Hilary Schubert-Jones, Program Manager
Hilary Schubert-Jones is the driving force behind the success of the Future You program. In this role, she leads the strategic direction of the program, collaborating with dynamic organisations to deliver practical, engaging solutions that promote equity in STEM.
With 25 years of experience in education and managing outreach and engagement programs for national not-for-profits and the Federal Government, Hilary is committed to advancing societal equity to secure Australia’s future STEM workforce. A passionate, human-centered leader, Hilary advocates for underrepresented groups and is dedicated to helping individuals find their path thereby addressing the complex challenges facing humanity and realise individualistic opportunities.
Becky Laurence, Senior Program Coordinator
Becky Laurence is an experienced program coordinator for national STEM equity programs across the university, government, and not-for-profit sectors. As the Senior Program Coordinator for Future You, Becky connects with teachers, families, and students to ensure these resources are relevant and effective. Her efforts aim to make STEM exciting by adding social relevance to the curriculum, all while addressing gaps without adding burdens.
Becky’s passion for her work is deeply personal. Growing up, she faced stereotypes and biases that discouraged her from pursuing a STEM career. This experience fuels her commitment to breaking down barriers so that every student can discover their passion. Through her dedication, Becky ensures that Future You not only educates but also inspires a new generation of STEM enthusiasts.