Elsie Lange
Woodend is the home of one of the state’s most prolific children’s authors, and she’s about to release her latest book.
With more than 20 publications to her name, Dee White has written a story celebrating the life of Professor Emma Johnston OA, marine biologist and TV presenter, to join the Aussie STEM Stars series.
“I’m very excited about the new release because women in science is a subject that’s close to my heart,” Dee said.
“My mother was a mycologist and she was one of the first women scientists to work for the CSIRO… it’s great to see women scientists and engineers in Australia getting recognition through the Aussie STEM Stars series.”
Professor Johnston is a strong advocate for women in science, having completed “amazing research” on the impact of humans on the environment. Her work has taken her to the screen as a regular commentator and co-presenter of Coast Australia.
Readers of the Aussie STEM Stars books are generally between 10 and 13 years old, but older teens and adults get into them too. Inside the book will be teachers’ notes, to use as a resource in STEM.
Dee said she hopes her book inspires some future scientists, and encourages readers to think more deeply about marine life and its conservation.
“Today’s readers are concerned about the environment and climate change and I wanted this book to empower them through knowing that they can make a difference – that small steps can lead to big change,” she said.
‘Emma Johnston Marine Biologist and TV Presenter’ will be released on July 1 through Wild Dingo Press.
Woodend Library is hosting a free writing workshop and book launch with Dee on June 25 at 10am.
