About ECU

Dr Jemma Berry

Jemma is a Senior Lecturer in genetics and forensic science for ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences. Prior to joining the University, she has built over a decade of experience in the field of medical research, exploring the genetic basis of human disease, as well as helping to understand the genetic background of other species, including cane toads.  While at ECU, Jemma’s focus has shifted to promoting a strong female presence in STEM disciplines, cultivating outreach opportunities for high school students, creating professional development courses for industry, and supporting and mentoring post-graduate research students.

As a single mother, who also works part-time, Jemma is a unique role model, showing that no matter your circumstances, a career in STEM is attainable by all. She is a WiTWA (Women in Technology WA) 2021 Tech [+] winner and role model for STEM education. Her passion for technology and innovation has seen her apply novel techniques to her teaching, including using virtual reality and live simulation to provide realistic crime scene experiences for her forensic science students. Jemma also brings her previous medical research experience into her teaching, utilising real-world experiences and the latest research to inform her teaching practices.

Hear more on her career journey in creating engaging learning experiences for students in STEM.

1. As a woman in STEM, what or who inspired you to pursue your career in the field of genetics and forensic science?
   The first person that actually inspired me was my high school human biology teacher, Mr Jacques. He was so supportive of anyone who showed an interest in science and made learning about human evolution really engaging.  I have also had a number of supportive female role models along the way, most recently Professor Mel Ziman at ECU.  She encouraged me and supported my ideas for getting undergraduate students involved in laboratory research experiences before the end of their courses.  She is also such a fantastic researcher in her own right, providing a great example of the successes that can be attained in STEM.
2. What challenges you about being a lecturer and mentor in ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences, specifically within the genetic and forensic science disciplines?
   Probably the most challenging thing is the pace at which these fields develop and change.  Keeping up with the new technologies and their applications can be quite tricky, as new discoveries are made almost every day.
3. In 2021, you received a WiTWA TECH [+] Award, what does this mean for your career and how will this support and facilitate your engagement with students studying STEM subjects?
   Winning one of only 20 WiTWA Tech [+] Awards in 2021 was a really proud moment for me and provided me with some confirmation that the things I am doing in my teaching really are worthwhile and appreciated.  The Award will allow me to reach more students than ever before and will open doors to new opportunities for collaboration, allowing me to improve my teaching practices even further and provide additional post-graduate research opportunities for my students.
4. Working in forensics, how does virtual reality and live simulation enhance learning experiences for students?
   Gaining experience in attending crime scenes is something that is very difficult to do, due to the nature of the environment and the consequences to the criminal justice system if you make a mistake.  On the other hand, it’s hard to expect people to be able to handle the complexities of a crime scene if they have not experienced anything like that before.  The sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming.  That is why, in collaboration with ECU’s Health Simulation Centre, we have developed a series of crime scene simulations for our forensic science students.  We use virtual reality, as well as live simulation with mannequins, realistic injuries and smells, to provide students with a crime scene experience in a low risk setting. Students can learn the important crime scene processing and evidence collection skills in an environment where stepping on a piece of evidence is not going to derail an entire investigation, but instead provides a unique and informative learning experience.
5. As a role model for women researchers and women in STEM, do you have any advice for how women can succeed and thrive within their own STEM careers?
   Surround yourself with people that believe in you, no matter if they are in your industry or not.  Sometimes it can be hard for women in STEM, especially if they have career interruptions, but you will always find a path if you make connections with good mentors and role models.  Attend conferences and keep educating yourself as well.   Many opportunities can arise just by having a simple conversation with someone who you meet at a conference or seminar that you think is doing interesting work.  In general, researchers love talking about what they do, so take the opportunity to talk to people, you may just be surprised by how keen they are to help you with your own research and career goals.