Jacqueline McCarthy – President
Jacqueline is a passionate teacher with over twenty years’ experience across the full continuum of Science education, from kindergarten classrooms to the preparation and mentoring of pre-service teachers. She has worked extensively as a primary science specialist and STEM educator, with a strong commitment to high-quality, inquiry-based science learning. 2026 will see her return to the secondary classroom in addition to continuing to teach science to Stages 2 and 3.
Jacqueline brings strong expertise in curriculum leadership, syllabus-aligned program design, and professional learning. She has supported schools and teachers to implement engaging, practical science programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and achievable across a wide range of school contexts. Her work has included contributions to syllabus development, resource creation, and the delivery of professional learning for teachers at different career stages.
As President of the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW, Jacqueline is passionate about supporting and advocating for science teachers, strengthening professional networks, and ensuring that science education across NSW is rigorous, relevant, and accessible to all students.
Lauren McKnight – Vice President
Dr Lauren McKnight has been a member of council for STANSW since 2020 and has served as Vice President since 2022. Lauren brings a strategic focus to the STANSW executive, as well as connections with the science education research community. Lauren is the council sponsor for the Young Scientist Awards Program and also represents STANSW on the committee of the national i3 awards. In this capacity, she has become an advocate for authentic student research, also being part of a new initiative to host a peer-reviewed student science journal.
Since graduating from a PhD in Immunology, Lauren has developed both passion and expertise in science education, particularly in outreach and engagement, and in supporting student investigations. She is currently Evidence Implementation Specialist in CSIRO’s Education and Outreach division, where she supports the STEM education ecosystem to implement and evaluate best practice for developing students’ confidence, curiosity, and capability for STEM.
Clare Qiu- Treasurer
Clare brings extensive finance expertise in the tertiary education sector, covering budgeting, reporting, compliance, and financial management. Passionate about supporting the education sector, she is committed to helping strengthen STANSW’s role in advancing excellence in science education across NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts and is a Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ).
Ken Baumgarner
Ken has been teaching in NSW private schools since 1988. Before that Ken worked as a Science Department Curriculum coordinator in the Western Samoa (Samoa) Department of Education. He has also worked as a Tutor and Senior Tutor in the Teacher Education Program School of Education Macquarie University during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.
In NSW schools, Hills Grammar School, Oxford Falls Grammar School and Northern Beaches Christian School, Ken has taught Science in years 7-10 and Yr 11 and 12 Biology. He has a special interest in environmental education with experience in various school based environmental programs such as Streamwatch, Clean-up Australia Day and Bush Regeneration Most recently at NBCS Ken has facilitated a Professional Learning Group (PLG) at school.
The focus of the group was literacy and particularly writing in Science at the Secondary level. Also, he has been involved in coordinating the AMGEN Biotechnology Experience through the University of Sydney at NBCS. This has enabled Senior Biology students to experience some of the new biotechnology techniques that are presented in the Senior Biology syllabus.
Annie Martin
Annie Martin is a passionate and highly experienced educator of Science. For the past 14 years, Annie was the Junior School Science at Technology Coodinator at PLC Sydney, leading and co-teaching Kindergarten to Year 6 Science lessons. Prior to this she taught HSC Biology and Chemistry and Years 7 to 10 Science at a variety of different schools.
In 2026, she will be the Science Teacher at the St Aloysius’ Year 9 campus at Rozelle. Annie regularly shares her expertise beyond her school by presenting workshops at conferences and professional development events. Annie was seconded to NESA for the recent new syllabus development. Annie has also been on Council with STANSW for the last two years, and amongst other roles has been the co-convener of the K to 10 STANSW Conference.
In 2023, Annie’s dedication to her Science teaching was recognised when she was awarded the Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Lesley Gough
Lesley is a tertiary educator for primary science and technology at Western Sydney University and as a PhD candidate (Primary Science) who uses research-based practices to develop learning materials for Initial Teacher Education and for a variety of public-school classrooms. She’s passionate about developing professional learning for Primary Teachers, including those currently practicing and those training to become a teacher.
Genevieve Firmer
Genevieve is based at the University of Sydney, working on a PhD that aims to address some of the systemic issues facing science teachers arising from policy and curriculum. She works with schools and teachers around the country through STANSW, RACI, Breaking Good, E$$ENTIAL MEDICINE$ and Future Anything, leveraging her experience as a senior science teacher (specialising in chemistry and biology) and curriculum leader in a rural school in the Northern Territory. Genevieve is passionate about helping science teachers collaborate to tackle challenges together.
Catriona Chaikin
With over 30 years of experience teaching Chemistry and Physics at the secondary level, I bring a deep commitment to science education and a strong foundation in curriculum delivery, assessment, and professional development. My extensive experience as an HSC Chemistry marker and judge has given me valuable insight into the standards and expectations of senior science students across New South Wales.
In addition to my teaching credentials, I am an active member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), which keeps me engaged with the broader scientific and professional community. I also serve as an administrator for the NSW Chemistry Teachers’ Facebook group, where I facilitate professional dialogue, share resources, and support teachers with up-to-date information and best practices in Chemistry education.
My ongoing passion for science education and dedication to fostering collaboration among educators make me a committed and capable contributor to the STANSW committee. I am eager to support initiatives that advance science teaching and learning, promote professional excellence, and enhance student outcomes across NSW.
Mora Soliman
With over 20 years of experience as a Science educator, I am currently a Leader of Learning in Science, committed to driving excellence in teaching and learning. I hold a Master of Education in School Education and am currently pursuing Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation.
Throughout my career, I have been an active contributor to professional learning communities for over 15 years, collaborating with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) and, more recently, with the Science Teachers Association of New South Wales (STANSW). I have served as a convener and presenter at Stage 6 Science Conferences and Meet the Markers, facilitating professional development for teachers across the state.
My professional contributions extend to curriculum and assessment development. I have participated in consultation groups with NESA for the new Stage 6 Chemistry syllabus and authored chapters and teaching and learning plans for Oxford University Press for both the 2013 and new 7–10 Science syllabuses. I have also served as a writer for the CSSA Trial HSC Chemistry exams and as a convener for the Science Extension CSSA exams, contributing to the pilot project that launched Science Extension Trial HSC as an online exam.
As an experienced Higher School Certificate (HSC) marker for over a decade, including as a Senior Marker for Chemistry and Science Extension, I bring a deep understanding of assessment and standards. In my current role as Supervisor of Marking (SOM) for Science Extension, I continue to support quality curriculum implementation.
Additionally, I have collaborated with Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) to design programs and resources aligned with evidence-based principles, supporting the successful rollout of the new Science syllabus across more than 150 schools in the diocese.
Andrew Eaton
I believe that a strong STANSW comes from individuals being willing to put their hand up to contribute, whether by seeking leadership in STANSW, presenting for STANSW or simply by participating in STANSW events.
I have participated in many STANSW events across my teaching career of over 25 years. I have presented at STANSW and CONASTA events, specialising in assessment delivery. I have been involved with HSC Chemistry Meet the Markers (MTM) for over 5 years in various capacities, culminating in my current role in the organisation committee.
I have strong ties to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), being the current Chair of the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) committee, which has given me experience in leading within a Chemistry Education context.
More than anything, I simply have a passion for Science and Science Education, and I wish to combine this passion with my desire to continue in my support for STANSW. Hence, I raise my hand to help in leading STANSW, by nominating for the STANSW Council.