Significant Figures: Science week 2021Where speed dating meets science research

Significant Figures is a high-energy game-show style event featuring a mystery guest scientist and three panelists whose job is to help the scientist reveal their specialty and amusing anecdotes from their personal lives. Be online for the Facebook live or YouTube live recording and recording during National Science Week, or listen later at STEMpunk podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. “Significant Figures is more like a game or variety show than a science panel, as we try to figure out what the mystery scientist does in and out of the lab,” says Tom Gordon, Significant Figures host and STEMpunk producer. Three panelists will use questions and challenges to elicit juicy details from the guest work and life. Each episode will showcase some local scientists from Sydney and regional NSW “From puns and jargon to hobbies and heroes, Significant Figures is a great event for young and young at heart who like a bit of science with their entertainment,” says Tom. Tickets fo the Significant Figures online events are available here: Significant Figures 1 - Sydney theme, 14 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm

Significant Figures 2 - Wagga Wagga theme, 17 August, 7:00pm-8pm

Significant Figures 3 - Wollongong theme, 19 August,

7:00pm-8pm

Significant Figures 4 - Newcastle theme, 20 August,

7:00pm-8pm

For further information please contact: Tom Gordon [email protected]

STEMpunk Podcast

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 n = 61

In this episode, Tom interviews Paul Looyen, Teacher, YouTube educator and trivia genius about Physics teaching, science education and photography. 
You can find Paul most places as @physicshigh
YouTube
WebsiteInstagramTwitter

Paul answered the question that Alice Gorman asked about artworks and asked his own here.
What is one biggest roadblock for student engaging in science at High School and what is the solution to that?
Call to action:
Photography.
Get a good camera, and learn some cool tools.Here is The website that Paul runs stonemeadow.com.au

STEMpunk Podcast

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n = 60

STEMpunk was given an incredible opportunity, to run an event for the Vivid Ideas festival called Significant Figures, where we interviewed a wonderful scientist with a panel or more excellent scientists, or significant figures!

The panel of significant figures, Ivy Shih, Corey Tutt and Kirsten Banks, was to interview through games and questions, a mystery science guest, Associate Professor Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney,

BUT...
it was cancelled.
     Boo!

But we ran it anyway!!
     Huzzah!!

...and this episode is that panel show, but instead of live, we did it online. Same people, same concept, just no live audience. This worked incredibly well. So fun, so learn, and so....ewwwww!

Thanks to the amazing Ivy, Corey and Kirsten, andof course Tanya Latty. You are all wonderful.

STEMpunk Podcast
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n = 59


Dr Space Junk
In this episode, Tom interviews Alice Gorman about the usual things like how you got involved in STEM and Space Archeology. We talked about her beginnings, some actuall space archeology and most importantly, we left plenty unsaid for the next time we get Alice back on the podcast!
You can Find Alice most places as @drspacejunk

Alice Answered the question that Matthew asked about going to Mars, (which was a great answer!) and asked her own here.
What work of art made a difference to how you thought about your science?
Call to action:
Firstly, read the book that Alice wrote, really! Read it! It is called Dr Space Junk Vs The Universe

Alice recommends that you read the trilogy from C.S. Lewis called The Space trilogy.

STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk Podcast
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Merch: Etsy

Well, it is not exactly rocket sci...., Actually, it IS exactly rocket science n = 58

In this episode, Tom interview Matthew D'Souza about the usual things as well as his recent win at the SpacePort America Cup.  This was a great episode with a young superstar of Science and engineering. This really is exactly rocket science!

The Universioty of Sydney Rocketry Team won first place at Spaceport America Cup for the 10,000 ft Commercial Off The shelf Category. The Silvereye flew to 10,027 ft with perfect flight events and recovery. This was a big part of the interview!

Matt answered the question that Zeeshan asked about books he has read, and asked his own here.

If you could go to Mars, would you?!  Native Australian bird Silver Eye
Artist: Nikita Ridgeway

Find out about the University of Sydney Rocketry team and their winning mission Silver Eye here


Call to action:
Matt is essentially a nerd about being a nerd, he loves to nerd out about nerding out! So as their is no real link to that, here are some rocket links for you to learn about, or go and do!

Motor Classification
Where to buy hobby rockets


Silver Eye Mission patch STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk PodcastLook: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
Watch: YouTube
Merch: Etsy

Shane, a microphone and Zeeshan. n = 57


What does Genetics, Boston, and being president have in common? In this episode of STEMpunk, Shane sits down with Zeeshan Siddiqui in chatting about his passions from his research in bioinformatics to inspirations about being a science communicator. Zeeshan is an honours student in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) at UNSW Sydney.

It has taken us a while to get this episode out, so you are in for a treat, it is a double episode! Wahoo! Moar Science!

Zeeshan answered the question Mitch had about his past, and asked his own here.

What were the latest three Science related books or articles that you read, and did you like them?“ Thanks Zeeshan for the chat, and we look forward to seeing what you get up to in the future!

STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk PodcastLook: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
Watch: YouTube
Merch: Etsy

Dr Abigail Fraeman, Shane Hengst,
Liz Landau, Tom Gordon,
Dr Sarah Reeves. n = 56 

On Tuesday 16 July 2019, STEMpunk went back to Wayward Brewery and were joined by special NASA guests for an evening of Planets and Parables. Dr Abigail Fraeman (Planetary Scientist) and Liz Landau (Science Story teller) and Dr Sarah Reeves (Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences) were the stars of a live recording of the STEMpunk podcast to mark 50 years since the Moon landing.

“We went to the Moon and we returned humans safely, we should celebrate that,” said Science Communicator and STEMpunk producer Tom Gordon. “The 50th anniversary of the Moon landing is an event well worth celebrating and an opportunity to remember the hard work that went into it and what happened as a result.”

“The significant anniversary of the Moon landing presents a great opportunity to talk about the future. And while we are at it, we talked about other space and Science related things.”

STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk Podcast
Look: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
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Merch: Etsy

STEMpunk trivia hosted by Shane, Tom & Christie STEMpunk is back at the Sydney Science Festival, with another STEM trivia night.
Fans of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) – come down to a live recording of the popular STEMpunk podcast at Wayward Brewery for a mix of science and trivia, a quiz and live experiments. It’s just like a regular trivia night, but with more science! There will be four rounds (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) where we ask STEM-type questions and test your STEM-type knowledge. We all know trivia is awesome, but there just aren’t enough STEM questions. STEMpunk trivia fixes that! To keep the variety alive, we’ll have some games and activities throughout the night, as well as live demonstrations and audience participation. Here are some STEM questions to warm you up.
- What sport was played on the moon? - What song did D:Ream sing that Prof Brian Cox now think is wrong? - Which country would you find the Belle II experiment? - What song did REM write about Andy Kaufman? - What career did Apollo12 astronaut Alan Bean do after his time as an astronaut?
Event details

Where: Wayward Brewery
Cost: FREE
When: 6pm, Tuesday 13 August 2019

Register to attend https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/stempunk-trivia-tickets-65488400569
STEMpunk Merch To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.



It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique! Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.
STEMpunk Podcast Look: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts Watch: YouTube Merch: Etsy

n = 55
Action shot of Mitch being interviewed
In this episode, Tom interviews Mitch Gibbs from the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Science. Mitch studies Oysters and climate change. In Mitch's words, in this case, "climate change is not good, but not as horrifying as you'd think." After a very quick intro,Mitch and I chatted about indigenous science and then we went on to other topics like Marvel and black holes.

This wasn't really an interview, more a great chat with a friend who has some fascinating and opinions and perspectives. We talked about Science, #PhDlyf, STEM and indigenous science.

What did you learn from this episode?

Mitch answered Annie's questions about diving into a black hole and asked his own here.
If you could relive any moment from your past, what would it be and why?
Call to action:
Mitch's call to action could be summarised by Comic books and indigenous science, a healthy combination.

Marvel
- World War Hulk
David Unaipon
Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk PodcastLook: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
Watch: YouTube
Merch: Etsy

Meet Nic, our Audience

Nic, our Audience. Image Credit: Ivy Shih In our latest Episode, the STEMpunks, Tom, Christie and Shane, designed our audience member. This is a marketing exercise where companies will figure out who their audience is, even going to the lengths of given them a name. Radio hosts do it, they'll talk to a particular person, the good ones make you feel like you are that person! Companies do it to figure out what their brand is, therefore who'll buy their products.
And now, we've done it. One of the most important rules of Science Communication is to know your audience, or at least understand who your audience is. That was the motivation for this episode. The design of our audience means there will now be some changes to how we do STEMpunk, but this is a good thing! What will be really interesting is to see how this changes our listenership. 
Our podcast will now be about 20-25 minutes long (enough for a commute from Glebe to the city) and will try to include something that the audience member didn't know about STEM, and/or Scicomm (for example, you might not have known that the marketing exercise of naming your audience is a done thing!). We'll still ask our questions about STEM (cos that's important to Nic) and our guest questions (in order to learn something new) but the extended chat about those things will have to be less in-depth. We'll also encourage Nic to go and do some scicomm through various channels. 
We hope you like the changes!
Huge thanks to Ivy Shih for the image! Go and check her page (http://ivyshih.net) to see some of her other talents, or listen to episode 51 (STEMjourno), where we interviewed Ivy!
Name: Nic
Age: 33
Occupation: STEM professional.
Where do they live: Somewhere like Glebe.
Who do they live with: Housemates, most likely in STEM fields too.
Income: ~$75k.
Hobbies: Photography, Rock climbing, Music.
What does STEM mean to them? Excitement, Passion, Important, Job, Opinions (but not necessarily positive or negative).
Favourite Bands/podcasts: STEMpunk, Reply all, Science Vs, No Such thing as a fish, Stuff you should know, Infinite Monkey Cage, The Science Show, Andrew Huang.
Favourite social media apps: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram.
Why do they listen to Podcasts? To learn new things.
Why do they listen to STEMpunk? To learn something new about science communication.
When do they listen to Podcasts? While commuting.
What does their life look like before and after they listen to STEMpunk? After listening they’ll be more informed and engaged to go and do some sci comm.


Anatomy of a STEMpunk. Image credit: Ivy Shih STEMpunk Merch
To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker.

Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique!

Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk Podcast
Look: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
Watch: YouTube
Merch: Etsy

We started STEMpunk a couple of years ago,
perhaps we should have done this sooner! n=54

This was a great episode, it was a chance for the STEMpunks (Tom, Christie and Shane) to talk about some really essential stuff like... 
Who is our Audience?
Rule 1 of a podcast should be defining who your audience is, up till now it has been just...us! But we think we could do better than that! So in this episode, we had a great time designing a character who is a STEMpunk listener, so now when we record an episode, it'll be for that hypothetical person.

It's probably rare to have an insight into how some companies, people or organisations define who their audience is, or what their brand is, but this is a well known marketing technique for helping people figure out who to sell or pitch to. It is such an interesting exercise to literally come up with a character for a purpose.


So we'd like to introduce our audience. I'm sure Nic is pleased to meet you!

STEMpunk Audience

Name: Nic
Age: 33
Occupation: STEM professional
Where do they live: Somewhere like Glebe
Who do they live with: Housemates, most likely in STEM fields too
Income: ~$75k
Hobbies: Photography, Rock climbing, Music
What does STEM mean to them? Excitement, Passion, Important, Job, Opinions (but not necessarily positive or negative).
Favourite Bands/podcasts: STEMpunk, Reply all, Science Vs, No Such thing as a fish, Stuff you should know, Infinite Monkey Cage, The Science Show, Andrew Huang.
Favourite social media apps: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram.
Why do they listen to Podcasts? To learn new things.
Why do they listen to STEMpunk? To learn something new about science communication.
When do they listen to Podcasts? While commuting.
What does their life look like before and after they listen to STEMpunk? After listening they’ll be more informed and engaged to go and do some sci comm.

We also had a very special guest in this episode, see if you can hear them with their various interjections!

STEMpunk Merch

To support the podcast we've decided to sell some podcast merchandise...With a difference.

It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, so instead of making more things, we've re-used them. Our items are bought in an op-shop, then we write "STEMpunk" on it with a permanent marker. Due to the fact that these items are second hand, they will not be "perfect" but they certainly are unique! Head over to our STEMpunkPod Etsy store to get our merchandise.

STEMpunk Podcast
Look: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram AEON.Net.au
Listen: iTunes Spotify Stitcher PlayerFM Google Podcast OzPodcasts
Watch: YouTube
Merch: Etsy