After 11 public talks, 16 school visits, 7 technical seminars, 8 radio interviews, and connecting with 1,600 + attendees at events around the country, theoretical physicist Dr Karen Livesey presented her final Women In Physics lecture to a packed crowd in her home town of Newcastle.

A diverse audience gathered at the University of Newcastle's downtown Q building to hear how nano-magnets can:

•  influence the way bacteria move
•  jiggle to heat up and kill cancer cells
• create a binary system for higher-density data storage in computers.

"The tour has been overwhelming,” said Dr Livesey. “It has been a privilege to learn about physics research, high school studies, and diversity initiatives across all states and one territory. I hope my talks have had an impact on some young people." 

She thanked the AIP national and state branches, her Newcastle and Colorado colleagues for their unwavering support of Women in Physics, and her family for making the tour possible.

Karen was presented with her AIP Women In Physics Lecturer medal on the night, presented on behalf of the AIP by Past President Emeritus Professor John O'Connor. Dr Hannah Schunker, a Future Fellow in Physics at the University of Newcastle, gave the event introduction.

See photos from the event by Lachlan Rogers: