Dr Jo Montgomery

Even receiving a nomination is an extremely powerful recognition of doing a good job, and goes a long way to support and reward those amazing colleagues.

I think I was always a scientist. From my early childhood spent collecting snails and woodlice, playing in the mud and mixing potions on the bathroom floor, my natural curiosity about how the world works led me to wonder why, to ask questions and to pursue a career in science.

My parents were both teachers and always supported me to follow my passions and to be the best I could be. There's a bit of a running joke in the family that I was initially put off teaching due to the long hours and low pay – only to go into research science where there are long hours, low pay... and not even school holidays! After a few years, the draw of education was too strong and I combined my careers!

My students inspire me to see the creativity and wonder in every day. Children's natural curiosity should be nurtured and encouraged; seeing scientific phenomena through their eyes for the first time is a pleasure and a privilege and keeps me smiling!

We need a scientifically literate society. Not everyone needs to be a scientist, but having an understanding of scientific phenomena, in meaningful, real-world contexts, is essential to engaging in issues and identifying and solving global challenges and problems. 

My favourite element is carbon because it's so versatile! From soft structures like graphite to strong diamonds, and the basis of all life. Carbon's ability to bond in so many different ways allows it to create many different materials – I love this flexibility and adaptability which resonates with education!