Ever been curious about Aboriginal astronomy and how the night sky has guided mobs for thousands of years?

In this episode of Yarning Up, Caroline sits down with Karlie Alinta Noon, a Gamilaroi astrophysicist, author, and advocate for Indigenous and women’s rights in STEM. Karlie is the first Indigenous Australian woman to graduate with a double degree in maths and physics, and she’s currently completing a PhD in astrophysics at the Australian National University. As the co-author of the award-winning book Astronomy: Sky Country, Karlie is committed to making STEM and Indigenous knowledge accessible to all.

During the conversation, Caroline and Karlie delve into her incredible journey—from growing up on Gamilaroi Country surrounded by strong matriarchs, to taking on her matriarchs strength in a male-dominated field. Karlie shares how Indigenous wisdom has shaped her understanding of the universe, and her groundbreaking research exploring the Milky Way’s nuclear wind using radio telescopes.

Karlie also opens up about the personal challenges she faced growing up in a low-income family and how her passion for science blossomed through the support of a kind Aunty. Together, they discuss the importance of Indigenous representation in science, the value of community, and how traditional knowledge systems can offer solutions to modern challenges.

You won’t want to miss this powerful yarn. To learn more about Karlie Noon, follow her journey and research here.

Follow Caroline on Instagram:
@blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here.

We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where this podcast was taped, and pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present, and emerging across Australia.

This podcast is brought to you by On Track Studio.
www.ontrackstudio.com.au
@on.track.studio

For advertising opportunities, please email: hello@ontrackstudio.com.au