OUR TEAM
Consultants
CONSULTANT
Toss Gascoigne
Toss has broad expertise in the fields of journalism, media liaison, communication strategy development and implementation, and political positioning. He is a former Executive Director of the science policy group FASTS (the Federation of Scientific and Technological Societies) and devised and planned the annual ‘Science meets Parliament’ event while in this position. Toss helped develop most of Econnect’s training workshops and continues to present workshops.
Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education
Senior Science Communicator/Editor
Sarah Cole
Sarah is a science writer, editor, program facilitator and trainer. She has research, media and extensive writing and editing experience. Sarah led a 6-year champion program that connected farmers Australia-wide with climate and agriculture researchers. She is passionate about working with community members on collaborative programs that meet their needs. Sarah is a professional science communicator who takes pride in her work and pays keen attention to detail.
Bachelor of Science; Master of Science Communication
Science Communicator/STUDIO MANAGER
Madeleine Stirrat
Madeleine is studio manager and project researcher at Econnect, bringing skills in research, writing and venue management. Currently studying her undergraduate degree, she hopes to continue to postgraduate study in sustainable development. Her passion for writing and science has led her to pursue experience in the science communication field.
Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology & Sociology) – in progress
CONSULTANT
Claire Heath
Claire Heath, AE, is a writer and formally accredited editor of the Institute of Professional Editors. She has 30 years experience that ranges from fiction to policy to journalism and science communication. She has experience in project management in the community, private and public sectors, including publishing projects from flyers and other small texts to books. She has taught English to adult speakers of other languages.
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Literature)
Graduate Diploma of Business
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
CONSULTANT
Michelle Riedlinger
Michelle has worked as a science communicator and researcher with Econnect for over 15 years. She co-developed Econnect’s short workshop, “Communicating science in a minute”. She is a senior lecturer in the School of Communication at the Queensland University of Technology. She teaches professional communication, including science writing and strategic communication planning.