Fresh Blood
When we think about dangers in our future, we often think far ahead. But there are plenty of problems that are just around the corner or that have always existed. Race relations, drug addiction, the destruction of our oceans, novel pandemic-inducing viruses; are all problems that need swift and radical solutions.
Speakers include, in order of appearance:
- Aaron Eger | Can playing God save our seas?
- Jack Hamilton | Ending POP* culture (*prescription of painkillers)
- Felicity-Tram Tu | Designing diseases
- Cheyenne Bardos | Facing our fear of race
- Isabelle Volpe | Children and drugs: the protection racket
Presented by
Aaron Eger
Aaron Eger is a PhD candidate in the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science at UNSW Sydney. His work spans marine ecology, economics, science communication and kelp forest conservation. Aaron’s research has resulted in the first ever kelp restoration guidebook, along with global analysis of the value of kelp forests and their reforestation. He is also the founder and director of the Kelp Forest Alliance, a global community of practice and database on restoration projects.
Jack Hamilton
Jack Hamilton is completing a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons) – majoring in neuroscience – in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science at UNSW Sydney. He is investigating a new treatment for chronic pain that involves modulating the nervous system via electric currents. In 2021, Jack was awarded the Faculty of Science Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. Following his Honours, Jack plans to study medicine alongside completing a PhD.
Felicity-Tram Tu
Felicity-Tram Tu is completing a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, in the Faculties of Science and Arts, Design & Architecture at UNSW Sydney. Her scientific research areas include biotechnology and immunology, with a somewhat morbid fascination in diseases, along with majoring in Japanese and French.
Cheyenne Bardos
Cheyenne Bardos is a Dean’s List Commerce/Media student with the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Business School at UNSW Sydney. A Filipino immigrant who moved from Manila to Wagga Wagga in 2006, Cheyenne has always been curious about diversity, race, and privilege. Her academic research examines media, sociology, and technology through a cultural and diasporic lens. In 2019, she won the Lusthaus Prize as the top student in Creating Social Change, a course that utilises systems thinking in addressing wicked social problems.
Isabelle Volpe
Isabelle Volpe is a PhD candidate in the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney. Her PhD research uses critical social science approaches to explore the intersection of young people, drugs, policy and participation. Isabelle’s research has focused on treatment and policy for alcohol and other drugs. Her previous projects have included clinical trials, treatment guidelines, government-commissioned projects, and the design of health promotion interventions. Isabelle is also involved in advocacy efforts relating to drug checking and young people’s drug use.
Yasmin Poole
Yasmin Poole seeks to challenge policymakers to think differently. Her vision is for Australia to become a global leader in intersectional policymaking, with a Parliament that truly reflects the diversity of our communities. Yasmin is Plan International’s National Ambassador, advocating for young women to be heard in Australian politics. She regularly provides commentary on Australian TV and radio, such as Q+A, The Drum, and ABC News. Yasmin is the Non-Executive Board Director of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food waste charity, and works on communications campaigns for the World Bank in the Pacific region. In 2021, Yasmin was recognised as the Martin Luther King Jr Center’s Youth Influencer of the Year. She was recently awarded the Rhodes Scholarship and will study intersectional policymaking at the University of Oxford later this year.
More Danger
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country in which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
While we believe in freedom of speech, the views and opinions expressed by the speakers are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.