Sally Hurst

Science Communicator ● Speaker ● Palaeontologist ● Archaeologist ● Researcher ● Museum Presenter

Smiling woman, Sally Hurst, standing in the desert with a shovel and wheelbarrow digging up dinosaurs
Woman, Sally Hurst, presenting about fossils for Dinosaur Festival at the Australian Museum

Hi, I’m Sally.

I'm a Scientist a Palaeontologist an Archaeologist a Woman in STEM a Farm Kid an Educator a Public Speaker

Science and history can help us to learn about the universe that is all around us. It can teach us where we have been in the past, and where we may go in the future.

It’s the stories of science that get us excited. That keep us engaged. And help us to learn for the future.

I help to make these stories understandable, relatable, and engaging - it’s knowledge that should be shared and celebrated, and these compelling stories of discovery, innovation, and human creativity can inspire the next generations of scientists.

I could talk all day about…

Scientists are often thought of as a distant concept - something we may see of TV, or read about, but are not necessarily readily accessibile as actual people. So picturing yourself going into a career in STEM may not even be on your radar, maybe because you’ve never been connected with a visible practitioner. I’m here to change that.

Authentic STEM experienes. For you.

  • Palaeontology - from dinosaurs, to fossils, biodiversity, evolution, and excavation! I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in both Palaeontology and Archaeology and am excited to share my knowledge with you!

  • Archaeology - Ancient Egyptians, finding artefacts in Australia, fieldwork, and how we learn about the past.

  • What to do if you discover a fossil or Indigenous artefact! My Master of Research was focussed on this topic and I have heaps of fun resources and experiences to share!

  • Curriculum and inquiry-based education sessions via zoom (or in-person where possible)

  • Careers & Pathways in STEM

  • Keynote presentations and Panels - leadership, saying yes, pushing boundaries, rural areas, role models, women in STEM

  • Student-led Q & A sessions

  • Available for events such as Science Week, Archaeology week, conferences, etc.

  • Able to provide media or expert comment and interviews.

Woman, Sally Hurst, presenting about fossils to primary school children

TEAMS I WORK WITH

Australian Museum logo

I’m incredibly lucky to work with some amazing teams in a variety of roles, from ambassador, to education presenter, to student mentor. Working with these teams has given me an array of experiences that I am have used to build this program that I am now able to offer.

Skype a Scientist Logo
Harding Miller Education Foundation logo
Macquarie Univeristy logo
Superstars of STEM Science and Technology Australia Logo

I’m the scientist for you if you are…

  • A teacher searching for an engaging workshop for your students;

  • A rural person looking for exposure into STEM careers;

  • Looking for a speaker or panelist for you next leadership, community, education, or STEM event;

  • Needing an expert comment or media interview about fossil finds, palaeontology or archaeology;

  • Excited to hear about adventures in palaeontology and archaeology;

  • Wanting me to visit your school!

Upcoming events.

Want to know what kind events I’m speaking at next? Check out the calendar and Events page!

*Please note that the events on this calendar are a guide for public events only - they may not reflect real-time availability. Please get in touch directly to find out if I am available for your event!

In the Media…

Blog Media portfolio
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Virtual Speaker Series
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Virtual Speaker Series

Talking all about the Found a Fossil project and how we can do better in communicating fossil protections to the general public.

Fossil Prep with UNE
Fossil Prep with UNE

I got to spend a week in the lab at UNE’s Palaeoscience Research Centre playing with fossils!

Found a Fossil on TuneFM
Found a Fossil on TuneFM

Chatting with UNE’s Student Radio Station TuneFM, we got to talk all about the Found a Fossil project and the importance of these archives of the past

Leadership Forum - Macquarie University
Leadership Forum - Macquarie University

From exploring the value of role models, not knowing what you want to do with your life, acknowledging the messiness of being human, and how quiet inspirations can change the world, I was delighted to be invited back again to give a keynote speech at the Macquarie University Year 12 Leadership Forum.

Found a Fossil featured on ABC Afternoons Victoria
Found a Fossil featured on ABC Afternoons Victoria

In their weekly science catch up, ABC host Trevor Chappell, and Tanya Ha, Engagement Director of Science in Public, talk about what to do if you discover a fossil, and how the Found a Fossil website can help.

Fossils & Fiction Podcast
Fossils & Fiction Podcast

Chatting with Travis Holland for the Fossils and Fiction podcast, we had a great conversation about engaging kids in STEM, pathways into palaeontology, and the Found a Fossil project!

ABC Radio National - The Found a Fossil Project
ABC Radio National - The Found a Fossil Project

In September I got to chat with radio producer Shelby Traynor from ABC Radio National! We talked about digging dinosaurs in Canada, how I became a palaeontologist, and the Found a Fossil project!

ABC Radio Perth - Finding Fossils in WA
ABC Radio Perth - Finding Fossils in WA

I was able to have a great conversation with Jackson Worthington from ABC Perth Early Mornings to talk all about the Found a Fossil project and how it THE place to go if you think you’ve found a fossil, or an Indigenous artefact.

Lightning Ridge Dinosaur Fieldwork
Lightning Ridge Dinosaur Fieldwork

Lightning Ridge is one of the only places in Australia to find dinosaurs! I worked with a team from the Australian Opal Centre and the University of New England to look for new dinosaur specimens.

Journal of Science Communication
Journal of Science Communication

My first peer-reviewed academic paper, based on the results of the Found a Fossil project. This open-access paper discusses heritage protections, public involvement, and solutions for the future.

  • "My daughter didn’t stop talking about you the whole way home. Loved the talk and the hands on activities! You hit the mark perfectly! You were the best STEM speaker ever!"

    Rachel, Parent

  • “Sally’s enthusiasm to communicate and educate through the exploration of science and history is infectious. She confidently explores connections between the two disciplines, offering a view into a world most of us would never think to explore.”

    Selina, Macquarie University

  • "Sally shone with her ability to communicate scientific concepts to children of all ages and the public in a fun, engaging and educational manner. Wherever possible, she wove the activities into stories to captivate the audience."

    Joanne Jamie, National Indigenous Science Education Program

  • "Favourite presenters: most people picked Sally Hurst aka The Dinosaur Lady.”

    Students from Year 12 Leadership Forum, Macquarie University

  • "I want to sincerely thank you for your time and expertise today. I have heard nothing but praise for your presentation. Teachers have told me that it was really interesting and engaging. It is so valuable for our students to hear real scientists talk about their fields of expertise. Your artifacts and fossils were fascinating for them to see and they were really impressed that you answered all their questions too. "

    Marianna, Year 4 teacher,

    St. Marks Public School Drummoyne