About
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year award recognises an undergraduate or postgraduate student who has demonstrated excellence in STEM studies.
Now in its 25th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
Meet our finalists
In 2026, three finalists have been selected for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student Scientist of the Year category:
Jasmin Bentink
The University of Western Australia
Jasmin Bentink is an Aboriginal environmental science and management student at the University of Western Australia, recognised for her excellence in environmental research, leadership, and science engagement. She combines strong academic achievement with experience across government, research, mining, oil and gas, and consulting. Jasmin’s work focuses on environmental sustainability, Indigenous engagement, and building stronger connections between communities, industry, and science. She has led student–industry initiatives, mentored Indigenous students, and contributed to research on marine ecosystems and land management. Passionate about empowering future Indigenous scientists, she promotes pathways into STEM through mentorship, outreach, and leadership across Western Australia.
Alaxandrea O'Brien
The University of Western Australia
Alaxandrea O’Brien is a proud Doogalburra Mamu and Jirrbal woman and a third year Environmental Engineering (Honours) student at the University of Western Australia. She is recognised for her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in STEM. Through industry placements, she has contributed to renewable energy design, sustainable development and community centred project work. As founder and President of UWA MOBS, she strengthens cultural visibility and support for First Nations students on campus. With numerous competitive scholarships and a strong record of mentoring and outreach, Alaxandrea is emerging as a powerful young leader in environmental engineering and cultural advocacy.
Jared Williams
Central Queensland University
Jared Williams is an Aboriginal (Yamatji) student from Geraldton who finished high school as a non-ATAR student and was not an academic achiever. At university, he has achieved high distinctions across his STEM bachelor’s degree, demonstrating excellence and leadership. Jared is in his final year with a GPA of 6.667 and has received four letters of commendation from the School of Engineering and Technology. He also completed an Aurora Foundation Internship with an Indigenous company, where he redesigned their website. His academic success, resilience and creative achievements demonstrate his potential as a leader and role model in the STEM community.
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