University of Queensland PhD student Hemanshi Galaiya has been named a 2025 Universitas 21 Leader of the Future, recognised for her work expanding access to STEM education for under-resourced students in Kenya.
Currently a PhD student in the Marcellin Group at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), Hemanshi said the award is a meaningful recognition of years of community-led outreach and advocacy work in her home country.
“It’s hitting me now how huge it is... It wasn’t a self-nomination – someone saw the work I’ve been doing and put my name forward,” Hemanshi said.
“That’s what I love about university – if you put yourself out there, people will keep you in mind for opportunities.”
and Vice Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC.
As part of the award, a tree was planted in Hemanshi’s name in the U21 Forest located in Canada – a gesture that resonated strongly with the environmental focus of her research and her passion for nature.
“That meant more than anything to me,” she said. “I love trees, and this connects directly to why I chose the research I do.
“I’ve seen the impact of climate change back home in Kenya, and that’s what drives me to find new solutions.”
Her PhD work at AIBN focuses on developing gas fermentation systems that capture carbon dioxide and convert it into biodegradable plastics – a step toward more circular, climate-conscious industries.
While her research tackles environmental sustainability, Hemanshi’s passion for education began long before her PhD.
Before joining AIBN, she co-founded Young Stripes, a grassroots STEM education initiative designed to reach students in under-resourced Kenyan schools and orphanages.
“I didn’t have people to look up to growing up, which is why I started the program,” she said.
“Last year, we delivered a year-long STEM program for 150 kids in an orphanage, providing 2,250 free STEM experiences. Many of them had never done hands-on science before and for them, it was life-changing.
“Now, when parents tell me their kids are proud to be taught by me, I know I’ve done something right.”
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“My PhD isn’t directly related to my outreach work, but UQ has given me the leadership skills, confidence and networks to build something sustainable,” she said.
“It used to be just two of us in the team. We’ve since grown to five, which has allowed me to focus on my studies.
“We’ve created something that can stand on its own and it’s beautiful to see it continue without me.”
Looking ahead, Hemanshi is open to pathways in industry, consultancy or science advocacy but says her core mission won’t change.
“I plan life in four-year chunks – and last time I made a plan, it unexpectedly led me to a PhD,” she said, laughing.
“Next could be anything – maybe industry, maybe policy advocacy but definitely empowering students and contributing to science that makes a difference.
“My eventual dream is to open a science museum in Kenya, so I am keen to explore several pathways on my journey there.”
Want to learn more about this story or how you can partner with AIBN on ground-breaking research?
Contact us via email: communications@aibn.uq.edu.au
or phone: +61 423 339 899.
