Director
Sofia Fiusco
Sofia's career has spanned educational sectors with a highlight being the development of VCAL and VET Senior Pathways to improve student engagement and retention. In her previous role as IBM Australia P-TECH Industry Liaison, she focused on collaboration between education and industry which opened up a world of new experiences to understand how technology is shaping and changing the world in which we live. Prior to P-TECH Sofia spent five years at committee for Ballarat delivering an annual leadership program focusing on volunteering and understanding as a region how we improve social, economic and environmental community outcomes with diverse industry leaders.
Program Officer
Damien Cameron
Damien joins us from the Maryborough Education Centre (MEC). He has had 10 years' experience as a teacher of Technology and VCAL, and has held various leadership roles in VCAL, Curriculum and Technology. He was involved in the development and start-up of a Trade Skills Centre at MEC and has previous industry experience in calibration and manufacturing. Damien is currently undertaking the DET STEM Catalyst Professional Development Program.
Amelia Travers
Amelia has worked as a park ranger and studied geographical science. Through her studies she has completed field research in the Arctic and across the Pacific and brings a deep passion for the environment and sustainability. Amelia loves asking questions about the world and is focusing on communicating complex scientific information in an engaging way. She is a tinkerer who enjoys helping students learn and explore the world of STEM.
Administration
Hayley Chaplin
Hayley joins us from the School Engagement Office at Federation University Australia, where she was working with secondary schools to develop and deliver valuable programs such as VCE Study Skills Days, Teacher PD Breakfasts and University Experience Days. Hayley commenced her education career as an English / Health teacher in secondary schools and has extensive professional experience in the marketing and communications field.
Technical Support
Albert Ferguson
Albert commenced his career through the Bachelor of Information Technology Professional Practice program available at FedUni, giving him broad exposure to industry internships to inform his practice. He joins us with nearly 10 years experience in the health care sector at Integratedliving Australia (formally known as the BDNH Group) where he was an Analyst Programmer and Business Analyst. Albert is across software development, management systems and end user support structures, project management, software and strategy, is a keen photographer and technology tinkerer.
Matty Chaplin
Matty joins us from McCain Foods, Ballarat. He is a food and nutritional scientist with 7+ years of valuable experience in the food industry including True Foods, Meredith Dairy and Ingham’s Chickens. He also supports a successful music career as a full-time singer/guitarist. Matty has a strong understanding of food innovation and development as well as industry lab skills and creative passion for all things food, technology, gaming, health and fitness.