The Laborastory

Ariel is a neuroscience PhD student at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health with a keen interest in science, science communication, science history and science fiction. In his spare time he tutors, reads books, spends too much time on the internet and eats a moderate amount of chocolate. He one day aspires to be successful enough at experimental science to never have to run experiments again.

Laura has spent the last two years chasing wallabies for her Masters research at the University of Melbourne, and now works as a Vertebrate Collection Manager at the Museum, looking after much less active animals. She’s beginning a PhD later this year in reproductive biology and is fascinated by the all weird and wonderful ways organisms reproduce.

Failed medical researcher Bel Smith became a journalist after David Astle told her she should while on the set of Letters and Numbers (true story). Now a science writer specialising in old stuff, big stuff and faraway stuff, her work's appeared in publications such as The Australian, Cosmos magazine and the Best Australian Science Writing 2016. In her spare time, she goes on long runs in the shape of animals.

Steve Muhi is a medical doctor who is two years from qualifying as a specialist in Infectious Diseases. He has a long background in science, firstly completing a Bachelor of Space Science and a Bachelor of Medical Science at La Trobe University. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Deakin, followed by a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in Northern Queensland. He is currently completing a Masters of Clinical Education at the University of Melbourne.

In a twenty year career in marine ecology, Antarctica has never been far from Matt McArthur's mind. His fascination for the continent, developing as soon as he understood the concept of an ice land to our south, influenced his career choices and resulted in his first invitation below the circle in 2004. Diving under the sea ice at Ross Island didn't scratch an itch so much as induce a rash and he continues to read, talk about, and try to get back to Antarctica at every opportunity.

Stephen Luntz writes for I Fucking Love Science, and previously wrote for Australasian Science. He has had almost five thousand articles published between the two. He owns two Dobsonian telescopes, one of which is still operational, and fosters another. Since he lives in Brunswick and doesn't own a car these actually get used far less than they should, but Stephen can sometimes be found taking the telescopes to festivals in the country, or just running astronomy nights in local parks or on the street outside his house.

Mei Liu is a science communicator, maker, educator and general life-ponderer. She spent much of her childhood climbing trees and asking questions. Mei currently works in the Education team at Scienceworks Museum, helping schools be more fun and relevant with science and technology projects. You can find her on Twitter @makermei or on Instagram @scicommlife. The Laborastory is a science storytelling night. Visit our website https://thelaborastory.com/stories/.

Kate Cranney is a science communicator and artist. Since finishing her Masters of Science (Botany) last year, Kate has been working with The Nature Conservancy, helping establish a new women's ranger group in the Solomon Islands. Kate is passionate about the benefits of Indigenous ranger programs, the joys of fieldwork in remote places, the drawing of insects and the sculpting of clay fish. The Laboratory is a science storytelling night. You can find out when our next show is on our website https://thelaborastory.com/stories/.

Claire Sullivan on Margaret Howe Lovatt by The Laborastory

Anna Sexton on Julius Wagner-Jauregg by The Laborastory