Venom specialist Samantha Nixon was named the Young Achiever – Science awardee at the recent 2020 Women in Technology WiT Awards. The former arachnophobe, who lives in Forest Lake, was one of 440 nominees in 14 categories.
The prestigious awards panel recognises the talents of women in the field of science and technology.
Ms Nixon is currently doing research on how spider venoms may be viable for new medicines that can work on parasites. She is in the process of completing her PhD at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland.
The rising STEM star is also passionate about bridging the inequality in the STEM field through science education and leadership.
This year, the WiT Awards added three new categories, including a special focus on women in the STEM field who are working in Queensland’s rural and remote locations.
“This year has been a year of change for everyone, including WiT, so we decided to create an online celebration to champion the State’s remarkable women in science and technology,” Women in Technology (WiT) President Dr Claudia Giurgiuman said.
“Our virtual 2020 WiT Awards were bigger and better than ever with the ABC’s celebrity scientist Joel Gilmore as the event’s MC, alongside our distinguished keynote Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro.
“With the devastating economic impact of COVID-19, harnessing our female talent and skill has never been more crucial, so this year, more than ever, the awards show had to go on. Many women are doing amazing work, and these awards and these awards are about giving them the recognition they deserve.”
The 2020 WiT Awards took place virtually due to the pandemic. Check the full list of winners on the official site.
![Tower Ad](https://brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au/images/thenewtv-tower-ad.gif")
