RG x RACI_EmpoweringtheFutureofSTEM_singlepages300dpi - Book - Page 28
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SUSANNA CRAMB ●
STATi STi Ci A N
S
ustainability was the name of the game for Susanna’s family. Growing
up, they planted crops and raised animals, so they’d always have fresh
milk and eggs. And young Susanna spent plenty of time outdoors, caring for
chickens and ducks and helping the littlest ducklings catch up. She pored over
science magazines and did experiments in the living room. Young Susanna put
caterpillars in shoeboxes – with the right kinds of leaves and plenty of air holes,
of course! She’d watch as the caterpillars formed chrysalises and eventually
emerged as butterflies. Then, she’d carefully release them back into nature.
When it came to career options, veterinarian was definitely on Susanna’s list.
But she wanted to help people too. So she studied medical science and then got
a master’s degree in public health and tropical medicine. That degree introduced
her to two fields that would become the cornerstones of her career: epidemiology
and biostatistics! Epidemiologists study the causes and patterns of disease.
And biostatisticians use data to analyse things, such as health trends and
whether medicines are working. A wheelchair user herself, she found a way to use
her maths skills to help other people with health conditions.
Susanna’s current projects are aimed at improving diabetes and cancer
outcomes across Australia, heart health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples, access to healthy food, and outcomes for emergency medical
treatment. The variety of projects is super exciting. So is the thrill of discovery!
While analysing data, there are moments when she has knowledge that no one
else has. Then she creates visuals with that data, writes reports, mentors students,
speaks at conferences, and shares what she learns so people can use the data
to make the world a better, healthier place.
She says: “When people come together with purpose and combine their
expertise, amazing things happen!”
BORN 1980
AUSTRALiA
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