Sally Hurst

Science Communicator ● Speaker ● Palaeontologist ● Archaeologist ● Researcher ● Museum Presenter

Woman, Sally Hurst, presenting about fossils for Dinosaur Festival at the Australian Museum

Hi, I’m Sally.

    
        I'm 
        
            a Scientist
            a Palaeontologist
            an Archaeologist
            a Woman in STEM
            a Farm Kid
            an Educator
            a Public Speaker

        
    

Science and history can help us to learn about the universe that is all around us. It can teach us where we have been in the past, and where we may go in the future.

It’s the stories of science that get us excited. That keep us engaged. And help us to learn for the future.

I help to make these stories understandable, relatable, and engaging - it’s knowledge that should be shared and celebrated, and these compelling stories of discovery, innovation, and human creativity can inspire the next generations of scientists.

Let's Talk Science

I could talk all day about…

Scientists are often thought of as a distant concept - something we may see of TV, or read about, but are not necessarily readily accessibile as actual people. So picturing yourself going into a career in STEM may not even be on your radar, maybe because you’ve never been connected with a visible practitioner. I’m here to change that.

Authentic STEM experienes. For you.

Palaeontology - from dinosaurs, to fossils, biodiversity, evolution, and excavation! I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in both Palaeontology and Archaeology and am excited to share my knowledge with you!
Archaeology - Ancient Egyptians, finding artefacts in Australia, fieldwork, and how we learn about the past.
What to do if you discover a fossil or Indigenous artefact! My Master of Research was focussed on this topic and I have heaps of fun resources and experiences to share!
Curriculum and inquiry-based education sessions via zoom (or in-person where possible)
Careers & Pathways in STEM
Keynote presentations and Panels - leadership, saying yes, pushing boundaries, rural areas, role models, women in STEM
Student-led Q & A sessions
Available for events such as Science Week, Archaeology week, conferences, etc.
Able to provide media or expert comment and interviews.

Woman, Sally Hurst, presenting about fossils to primary school children

TEAMS I WORK WITH

I’m incredibly lucky to work with some amazing teams in a variety of roles, from ambassador, to education presenter, to student mentor. Working with these teams has given me an array of experiences that I am have used to build this program that I am now able to offer.

I’m the scientist for you if you are…

A teacher searching for an engaging workshop for your students;
A rural person looking for exposure into STEM careers;
Looking for a speaker or panelist for you next leadership, community, education, or STEM event;
Needing an expert comment or media interview about fossil finds, palaeontology or archaeology;
Excited to hear about adventures in palaeontology and archaeology;
Wanting me to visit your school!

Upcoming events.

Want to know what kind events I’m speaking at next? Check out the calendar and Events page!

Events

*Please note that the events on this calendar are a guide for public events only - they may not reflect real-time availability. Please get in touch directly to find out if I am available for your event!

In the Media…

Blog Media portfolio

Pals in Palaeo podcast

Listen to my podcast episode of Pals in Palaeo, hosted by the incredible Adele Pentland!

Interpretation Australia Conference Keynote

How can we have a big impact, but leave a small footprint when creating projects to engage the public? My keynote presentation drew on my own experience in how igniting change can begin with just one person.

Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum

Invited as a keynote speaker, we discussed expanding our definitions of leadership, service, and helping others.

Girls to Graduates - Regional Roadshow

Girls to Graduates aims to engage and empower girls and women in STEM. I spend a week in the NSW north coast running workshops, panels, and presentations with schools to give them a taste of science, and of university life.

Palaeontology @ Astronomy Open Night

Macquarie University’s Astronomy Open NIght is one of our largest events of the year, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts for all things stars, space, and science!

Animal Adaptations at Artarmon Public School

Integrating Australian cirriculum content into a lesson about animal features, with some fossil flavour thrown in!

Science in the Suburbs - Comedy Shows

Dinosaur sexual organs? Finding a dinosaur in your backyard? Accidentally being sent a human finger bone? This comedy talk for Science Week had it all!

Rhodes Science Fair - Fossil Stall & Jurassic Comedy Show

With a fossil touch table and a Jurassic Comedy Show on the line up, this was an awesome day engaging the community for National Science Week!

Dinosaur Provincial Park - What to do if you find a dinosaur in your backyard

Whilst on fieldwork digging up dinosaurs in Canada, I got to share my resarch with visitors to Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta!

Landholders Guide to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Workshop

Discussing the role of landholders in protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, this open conversation helped to mythbust fears and answer questions about finding things on private property.

More in the Media.

"My daughter didn’t stop talking about you the whole way home. Loved the talk and the hands on activities! You hit the mark perfectly! You were the best STEM speaker ever!"

Rachel, Parent
“Sally’s enthusiasm to communicate and educate through the exploration of science and history is infectious. She confidently explores connections between the two disciplines, offering a view into a world most of us would never think to explore.”

Selina, Macquarie University
"Sally shone with her ability to communicate scientific concepts to children of all ages and the public in a fun, engaging and educational manner. Wherever possible, she wove the activities into stories to captivate the audience."

Joanne Jamie, National Indigenous Science Education Program
"Favourite presenters: most people picked Sally Hurst aka The Dinosaur Lady.”

Students from Year 12 Leadership Forum, Macquarie University
"I want to sincerely thank you for your time and expertise today. I have heard nothing but praise for your presentation. Teachers have told me that it was really interesting and engaging. It is so valuable for our students to hear real scientists talk about their fields of expertise. Your artifacts and fossils were fascinating for them to see and they were really impressed that you answered all their questions too. "

Marianna, Year 4 teacher,
St. Marks Public School Drummoyne

Sally Hurst

Science Communicator ● Speaker ● Palaeontologist ● Archaeologist ● Researcher ● Museum Presenter

Hi, I’m Sally.

I'm a Scientist a Palaeontologist an Archaeologist a Woman in STEM a Farm Kid an Educator a Public Speaker

I could talk all day about…

TEAMS I WORK WITH

I’m the scientist for you if you are…

Upcoming events.

In the Media…

"My daughter didn’t stop talking about you the whole way home. Loved the talk and the hands on activities! You hit the mark perfectly! You were the best STEM speaker ever!"

“Sally’s enthusiasm to communicate and educate through the exploration of science and history is infectious. She confidently explores connections between the two disciplines, offering a view into a world most of us would never think to explore.”

"Sally shone with her ability to communicate scientific concepts to children of all ages and the public in a fun, engaging and educational manner. Wherever possible, she wove the activities into stories to captivate the audience."

"Favourite presenters: most people picked Sally Hurst aka The Dinosaur Lady.”

Sally Hurst ©