Meet our contestants
We’ve assembled a diverse group of brainiacs, each with a unique set of knowledge that spans the STEM spectrum. Tune into this year’s National Science Quiz to watch them battle out for glory!
Nate Byrne (he/him)
ABC News Breakfast Weather Presenter, Meteorologist and Science Communicator
Nate Byrne is one of Australia’s most prominent and popular STEM professionals, coming to our homes each week as the weather presenter on ABC News Breakfast.
After studying a Bachelor degree in physics, Nate joined the navy as a naval officer, where he worked in Australia and overseas for over 12 years driving navy warships and working as a meteorologist.
Nate also has a Master of Science Communication (Outreach) from the Australian National University in collaboration with Questacon, making his return to Canberra as host of this year’s quiz a warm homecoming.
Lee Constable (she/her)
Author, Science Communicator
Lee is a science and sustainability presenter, MC and edu-tainer best known for hosting Network 10’s kids science TV show, Scope. Her TV appearances also include Studio 10, ABC News Breakfast and Season Three of War on Waste.
Lee is the author of two books: How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet: A Garbological Adventure and How to Save the Whole Blinkin’ Plant: A Renewable Energy Adventure.
You can catch her translating complex science into bite-sized videos for social media or unleashing her alter-ego and man-in-the-know Milton MANgo with science-themed stand-up comedy.
Lee has a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Masters of Science Communication.
From diving the Great Barrier Reef to rocking Antarctica with an all-woman STEM crew, she’s familiar with adventure. Now she’s on a mission to lead to her team to victory!
Rachel Rayner (she/her)
Science Communicator, CSIRO
By day, Rachel has the cosmically cool job of Communication Advisor for CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility.
She finds and tells stories of the data, observatories and radio telescopes which make up the national facility. This follows a long history of radio astronomy at CSIRO, as it was one of the first institutions in the world to study the field.
When this astronomy aficionado isn’t explaining the universe for CSIRO, she transforms into Rachel Rayner, Science Explainer, a STEAM producer, performer and poet who wields wit like a supernova.
Rachel’s got a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Physics and Art History and Theory).
Buckle up because Rachel’s here to prove that science is a wonder!
Bryan Lessard (he/him)
Entomologist, Author
Bry the Fly Guy, aka Dr Bryan Lessard, is an award-winning entomologist, science communicator and author of the kid’s book Eyes on Flies.
Bry discovered the curious world of flies as an undergraduate, learning about maggots and their uses in medicine and solving crime. He has discovered more than 150 species new to science and officially named 50 species from Australia and New Zealand, most famously a horse fly with a golden abdomen named after Beyoncé and the fabulous RuPaul fly.
Bryan previously worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at CSIRO’s Australian National Insect Collection. He loves presenting and sharing his passion for insects and biodiversity with the world including his biodiversity countdown on ABC Evenings Radio with Chris Bath and numerous TV appearances.
Lachlan Rogers (he/him)
Lecturer and Experimental Physicist, University of Newcastle (sponsored by EQUS)
Dr Lachlan Rogers shines lasers at diamonds to make them glow. He is a lecturer and experimental physicist at the University of Newcastle, an Associate Investigator with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), and the host of the EQUS podcast Clear as Quantum.
He is passionate about discovering and communicating science ideas that can change the world. Glowing diamonds are very cool—they can be used to make quantum technologies such as quantum computers or medical sensors—but the thing Lachlan gets most excited about is sharing fascinating science ideas with other people.
Mikaela Jade
Indigital Founder and CEO
Mikaela Jade is a Cabrogal woman from the Dharug-speaking nation and Founder and CEO of Indigital, Australia’s first Indigenous edu-tech company specialising in augmented reality.
As founder and CEO, Mikaela’s priority has been delivering digital skills programs to help close the digital divide for Indigenous people. Indigital provides training in augmented and mixed realities, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the internet of things and geospatial technologies. Mikaela was also recognised with an ACT Australian of the year nomination in 2023.
Mikaela is a Board Member of SmartSat CRC and a member of Australian Government’s Pathways to Diversity in STEM Review Panel.
Kirsten Banks
Astrophysicist
Dr Kirsten Banks is a passionate astrophysicist dedicated to making science accessible and engaging. Her love for the universe was sparked during a high school excursion to see a documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope.
With a PhD in astrophysics and proud Wiradjuri heritage, Kirsten offers a unique perspective in her science communication. She captivates people from all walks of life on social media with her infectious enthusiasm, sharing fun facts and leading workshops to inspire wonder in audiences of all ages.
