Lumen Spring 2021 - Flipbook - Page 32
Lisa’s path was sealed when she attended the
National Science Summer School (now called the
National Youth Science Forum) in 1991.
“I was sponsored to go to Canberra where I
interacted with other kids who were also into
science.
“As a member of the Galileo group I visited
Mount Stromlo Observatory just outside
Canberra and it was then that I realised that I
could have a career in astronomy.
“I persevered despite a lack of female role models
in science and not being able to take my physics
teacher’s science class due to timetable clashes.
“I suspected that I would hit a glass ceiling in an
astronomy career, but endeavoured to see how far
I could go.”
During her time at the University of Adelaide
Lisa found role models during her Bachelor of
Science course and post graduate studies.
“Judith Pollard was a great role model as were
outstanding lecturers such as Roger Clay and
Bruce Dawson.”
After finishing her PhD in astrophysics at the
Australian National University she applied for
roles in the United States and Europe.
Her father’s career as a defence scientist had
meant that she’d previously lived in America so
Lisa was no stranger to a different way of life.
“Moving to the US gave me access to the bigger
telescopes in Hawaii and Chile and the chance to
use their fantastic facilities,” said Lisa.
“There were more opportunities to pursue my
area of research into how distant galaxies are
formed and evolve.
“There was also a vibrant community of young
researchers and more female role models and
mentors to learn from.”
Lisa studies how the amount of star formation
and the amount of oxygen in galaxies changes
over time: 12 billion years of the universe’s
history.
“When I was pursuing my undergraduate and
postgraduate studies I would typically spend a
few nights at the telescope and then analyse
the data.
“Now I spend less time at the telescope and more
time at a computer – especially super computers
– looking at survey data gathered by ground and
space telescopes.
“I use 3D data to look back through time to better
understand the origins of the universe by working
out the amount of star formation and oxygen in
galaxies closer to the ‘Big Bang’.”
Lisa returned to Australia in 2011 as astronomy
was changing in this country. She is currently
Professor and Director of the ARC Centre of
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D and
ARC Laureate Fellow at the Australian National
University Research School for Astronomy
and Astrophysics.
“Australia is one of the world leaders in the use of
3D instruments on telescopes.
“These instruments produce a data cube which
delivers a tremendous amount of information
about the galaxy which is critical to this area
of research.
“Australia could be in a great
position to make a big difference
in this area, in tandem with private
sector industry, which will also have
a major impact on the next chapter
of the space race.”
“This is why the launch of the James Webb space
telescope later this year is so exciting.”
The James Webb telescope has been designed to
focus on the infrared part of the light spectrum.
This means it will be able to focus on infrared
bright objects like extremely distant galaxies.
In 2020 Lisa’s world-leading research was
recognised with her being the first Australian
awarded the James Craig Watson medal by the
US National Academy of Sciences.
“I was deeply honoured. I think it’s wonderful that
they recognise people from other countries.”
