Meet the UniSC students and staff who are inspiring STEM aspirations across the UniSC regions.
Our Presenters are current UniSC students, graduates, school leaders, or STEM leaders, who are passionate about sharing their STEM skills with students, teachers and parents/carers in the community.
MindSET-do provides employment and networking opportunities with schools, business and industry across our campus regions, and in rural and remote locations. This opportunity helps to develop their confidence to talk about STEM, helping to bring about systemic change in STEM career uptake.
Lana Jeffs
Lana went to school in the Moreton Bay region and is our School Engagement Officer. She has now graduated from her Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UniSC and is an experienced presenter with teaching experience across both primary and secondary school settings. Lana loves seeing students develop knowledge and skills and being part of their learning journey. In recognition of her commitment to education and community connection, Lana received the 2025 School of Education (SETA) Award for Excellence in Engagement, and in 2023 she was shortlisted for the UniSC Outstanding Alumni Awards for Regional Engagement.
Kate Hiskins
Kate Hiskins graduated with a Diploma of Primary Education in 2025 is an experienced Presenter and dedicated Administration & Events Support Officer with MindSET-do. Having completed her schooling outside of Australia, Kate understands what it’s like to feel unsure about confidence in learning, particularly in maths and science. This experience inspired her passion for mindset and helping students realise they are capable of more than they think. Kate loves supporting young people to try new things, build confidence, and explore future opportunities.
Zakia Juhi
Zakia Juhi is a Presenter with MindSET-do and is currently studying a Master of Teaching (Primary). Growing up in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Zakia was naturally curious and loved asking questions about how things worked, especially in Science and Geography. She is passionate about helping students feel confident, curious, and included in STEM, and enjoys encouraging young people to believe in themselves and follow the things they love.
Kimberly Purcell
Kimberley went to school on the Sunshine Coast and graduated from her Master of Teaching (Primary) at UniSC last year. She has been working in a school and will be returning to presenting with MindSET-do in 2026. A student-focused teacher and one of our lead Primary-trained presenters, Kimberley loves seeing the confidence and satisfaction that MindSET-do lessons provide and values hands-on learning for developing skills that are highly relevant to students’ futures in STEM.
Courtney Lewis
Courtney grew up on the Sunshine Coast and in Moreton Bay, with a passion for animals, space, and science. Now pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy, she loves showing students that science is exciting and hands-on. Courtney encourages students to embrace their passions, reminding them, “It’s okay to be really passionate about your interests and to always follow them.”
Jordan Harris
Jordan attended school in Burpengary, QLD, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at UniSC while working with MindSET-do as a Presenter. He brings creativity and enthusiasm to every session, drawing on his strong involvement in the arts throughout high school. Jordan joined MindSET-do to further develop his STEM knowledge and classroom practice, and he loves inspiring students to take opportunities, try new things, and explore their interests with confidence..
Alice Caines
Alice Caines is a Presenter with MindSET-do and is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education. Growing up in Newborough, Victoria, Alice loved school, spending her time dancing ballet and building with LEGO, and proudly embracing her love of all things Star Wars. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, trying new things, and learning through mistakes. Alice loves helping young people build confidence and celebrating those moments when they surprise themselves with what they can achieve.
Jade Wells
Jade Wells is a STEM Presenter with MindSET-do who is passionate about helping students build confidence through creativity, technology, and hands-on learning. Growing up in Port Stephens in NSW, Jade enjoyed gaming, problem-solving, and exploring new technology, which inspired her interest in STEM. She loves encouraging students to embrace their interests, try new things, and see mistakes as an important part of learning and growth.
Jade Kirk
Jade went to school in Gympie and is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at the UniSC Fraser Coast campus. Jade has a passion for all things STEM, and enjoys bringing a different approach to learning into classrooms and delivering lessons that are fun and hands on.
Quinn Backhouse
Quinn Backhouse is a Presenter with MindSET-do and is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education. Growing up in Hervey Bay, Quinn developed a passion for STEM early on through robotics challenges and app development, alongside a love of music. Quinn enjoys sharing this passion with students, creating engaging learning experiences, and encouraging young people to make the most of every opportunity and keep moving forward, even when things feel challenging.
Jasmine Birks
Jasmine went to school in the Fraser Coast region and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Primary Education at UniSC. With a passion for technology, Jasmine is eager to share her enthusiasm with students, helping them develop essential skills that will pave the way for lifelong success. She is dedicated to inspiring the next generation through innovative teaching and a commitment to fostering a love for learning
Duncan Sayers
Duncan has graduated from the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at UniSC and is now working at a Gympie high school in the Agriculture Department, where he brings his STEM expertise to students across the region. He has always loved hands-on learning and, as a child, was a quiet and curious science enthusiast who spent his free time biking and exploring. Duncan now channels that same curiosity into the classroom, making STEM engaging and interactive. He will continue to support MindSET-do by helping deliver professional development, workshops, and clubs alongside his school role. His advice to students: “Be yourself, stay curious, and explore what excites you!”