My Australia Story Session 6: Associate Professor Paola Magni

For many university students and young professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, the challenges of building a successful career in Australia can seem daunting, and perhaps insurmountable. 

Is "working hard and being passionate" enough to help you find your dream job in a new country? New life, new path, new beginning… how can you achieve success in your career?

Forensic Scientist Associate Professor Paola Magni will share her career journey as the featured guest in the sixth edition of the My Australia Story conversation series. 

This session, chaired by Associate Professor Maggie Jiang from the UWA School of Social Sciences, promises to provide invaluable insights into achieving professional fulfilment in Australia.

About Associate Professor Paola Magni 

Paola Magni, renowned as Australia’s ‘bug whisperer,’ is a leading global figure in forensic science, specialising in the use of insects and other small creatures to solve complex criminal investigations. A city girl originally from Turin, Italy, Paola has always been drawn to exploring the natural world, from the land to the ocean. The never-ending dynamics between organisms and their environment spark her curiosity, and she brings this holistic approach to investigating mysterious cases.

Her unique blend of expertise and passion has made her an international authority in her field, with her groundbreaking research and skills often sought after by law enforcement and crime scene investigators worldwide. 

For her media engagement and the many platforms on which she shares the real science behind investigations, she has been named the 2024 Australian Science Communicator of the Year.

As an Associate Professor of forensic science at Murdoch University, Paola is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly young women, and breaking down stereotypes in science. Beyond that, she uses her professional experience to raise awareness on gender and domestic violence with the Red Shoes Australia project, developed in collaboration with the WA Museum.

Balancing her roles as a wife, mother of two young daughters, scientist, podcaster, media commentator, and ambassador for social change, she exemplifies the possibility of excelling in both professional and personal spheres while giving back to the community. For her commitment to WA and Australia, without forgetting her Italian roots and the Italian community in Australia, she has been awarded the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, recognised as a WA finalist for the Australian of the Year, and inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a trailblazer in her field.

My Australia Story 

My Australia Story is a face-to-face conversation series that provides a platform for remarkable first-generation immigrants to share their life and work experiences with the public. Initiated by Associate Professor Maggie Jiang at the School of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia, this initiative is proudly hosted by WA Museum Boola Bardip.

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