Wild ambition.
'Scientist. Journalist. Innovator.'
That’s how science communicator and all-round passionate advocate for the natural world Kirsten Slemint (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Journalism ’19) describes herself.
Scientist and Journalist we understand, but what does the Innovator part mean?
“I am a social impact strategist and documentary filmmaker,” the self-styled ‘David Attenborough 2.0’ said.
“A good story, well told, connects with its audiences, generates empathy, and illuminates new perspectives. I want to take that a step further by combining great storytelling with novel strategy.
“Film is only one element, but it acts as a catalyst to enrich education, policy and behaviour change – all of which lead to important social change.
“I want to partner with community, industry and government to find out where impact is most needed – whether that’s funding, lobbying or further research.”
Idealistic perhaps, but thanks to the “wonderful nurturing” she enjoyed at UQ as an undergraduate, she is well on the way to achieving this dream.
Kirsten Slemint as an undergraduate student in the School of Journalism's recording studio, while working on the Students as Partners program.
Kirsten Slemint as an undergraduate student in the School of Journalism's recording studio, while working on the Students as Partners program.
Miss Slemint has just been accepted into the highly prestigious Master of Arts (Directing and Producing Science and Natural History) at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in the United Kingdom – one of only 12 candidates worldwide and the FIRST Australian ever.
“I'm really looking forward to the NFTS course as it's a perfect alignment of my interests: learning how to direct science and natural history productions, produce shows, and generate new program ideas and formats – all while learning current television production methods and gaining business management skills,” she said.
And she’s not even ‘formally’ trained in film.
“I did make some videos with the support of the School of Journalism’s Media and Production Support team when studying at UQ – who were incredibly helpful. I also won a New Colombo Plan scholarship to travel to India, where I produced a short documentary on urbanisation,” she said.
“In fact, it was this documentary that I believe scored me a place in the NFTS course and also led to other opportunities such as the 2018 World Congress of Science and Factual Producers Science Film Sprint competition."
Determined.
Despite often working up to six part-time jobs to make ends meet, Miss Slemint made the most of every opportunity she could while at UQ, as she had already faced several challenges to get there in the first place.
“Science or university had never felt like a pathway for me,” she said.
“However, I knew I wanted to be a science communicator – because I thought I could fill the gaps of scientific misinformation – and UQ’s dual science/journalism degree was the perfect fit.
“Still, it took me two years of preparatory study before I was qualified to apply.”
Being a mature-age student was sometimes a challenge, but Miss Slemint is not ‘backward in coming forward’ and used her ‘difference’ to her advantage.
“I am very driven to succeed and made sure to meet as many people as I could, ask as many questions as possible, and get involved in as many extracurricular activities as were offered,” she said.
Driven.
During her time at UQ, Miss Slemint volunteered as an animal care assistant at the RSPCA; was a volunteer research assistant at UQ’s Franklin Eco-Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute and Heron Island Research Station; became a science mentor; participated in the Students as Partners scholarship program, which contributed to the COMU2120 course and led to the production of 13 videos for the HUMN1500 course; wrote a live blog at the World Science Festival for the Brisbane Times; interned at ABC News, where she helped produce a three-part documentary on the Great Barrier Reef, and in Israel, where she worked for the Association for Urban Farming; wrote and presented a weekly science podcast; and worked for the Centre for Marine Science as a social media manager/science communicator.
She also participated in the Ventures entrepreneurial program, where she focused on herself as her own startup, finding different ways to be creative and making space for change – hence her moniker of ‘Innovator’.
“I feel incredibly privileged to have participated in the range of opportunities I enjoyed at UQ, and to have had such excellent support from great mentors like Professor Peter Greste and Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts," Miss Slemint said.
"UQ has done so much for me.”
Including bestowing her with an Employability Award and Future Leader status.
The trusty videocamera in action, ready to record baby turtles hatching. Photo: supplied
The trusty videocamera in action, ready to record baby turtles hatching. Photo: supplied
Kirsten Slemint in action in Jaipur, India, undertaking her Foreign Correspondent role as part of her Colombo Plan scholarship
Kirsten Slemint in action in Jaipur, India, undertaking her Foreign Correspondent role as part of her Colombo Plan scholarship
In Israel with UQ's Startup AdVentures. Image: supplied
In Israel with UQ's Startup AdVentures. Image: supplied
Filming on the reef at Heron Island. Image: supplied
Filming on the reef at Heron Island. Image: supplied
Meeting the 'locals' while filming documentaries. Image: supplied
Meeting the 'locals' while filming documentaries. Image: supplied
The delightful 'surprises' while filming on the Great Barrier Reef. Image: supplied
The delightful 'surprises' while filming on the Great Barrier Reef. Image: supplied
Skippering the research boat at Heron Island. Image: supplied
Skippering the research boat at Heron Island. Image: supplied
Dedicated.
But the road after study was not as clear-cut as Miss Slemint had originally anticipated once COVID-19 struck.
“I was fortunate to have been offered a job with UQLife as a Student Experience and Engagement Officer immediately after graduation in 2019, and so I was able to work through the transition from on-campus to online.
“I also worked as the admin and scientific officer at Heron Island Research Station and as science communicator at the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), so it’s all been great experience,” she said.
Miss Slemint is working hard to raise money to fund her ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ NFTS course, and believes it will catapult her toward her goals of really making a difference.
“I’ve deliberately kept my science interests broad so that I can apply an innovative approach to my filmmaking, and channel viewers’ emotions towards positive action.
“We need to come together if we want to create a sustainable future - I want my work to celebrate country, engage community, and create social change.”
Because as renowned clinical psychologist Anne Roe once said, “Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated, and scientists are beginning to learn their social obligations.”
Want to know more about dual degrees at UQ?
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