Biography

Johanna Howes is an award-winning science communicator currently working in the informal education sector at Science Space, Wollongong. 

Using her background in Academic and Analytical Chemistry, she excels at teaching and presenting science to the public. She has experience tutoring and lecturing in Chemistry and Science Education at the University level. She consistently received positive feedback from Students and enjoyed inspiring those in her care to develop their knowledge and confidence with their learning. 

After completing a PhD titled "The Biochemical Energy Balance of the Coral Symbiosis" she decided to focus on communicating science. She spent a year as a presenter with the Shell Questacon Science Circus travelling around Australia and performing science shows for children in primary and high schools. She graduated with a Master of Science Communication (Outreach) with Commendation, from the number one University in the country, ANU. 

In 2017, she entered and subsequently won the Alda Center's Flame Challenge for communicating science to eleven year olds. Johanna was flown to New York City to meet the well known communicator and actor, Mr Alan Alda. 

For a year, she worked as a Freelance Science Writer, submitting stories for popular YouTube channels SciShow and Veritasium. Combined, her scripts have over 8.5 million views!

She currently works at Science Space in Wollongong - home of NSW's only Planetarium.She is in the process of re-designing engaging science shows and presenter-led experiences in the Planetarium itself and she is passionate about encouraging women and girls in STEMM. 

When Johanna's not setting things on fire or shooting marshmallows out of a vacuum cleaner for science, she enjoy adventuring, writing, reading, singing and anything even remotely science fiction-related.

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