RACI STEM She Leads: Helen Evans-Lemmo Breaking Barriers & Building Solutions
What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
I was fortunate to grow up in a household where my parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. From an early age, I gravitated more toward Lego sets and building blocks than traditional "girls' toys," drawn to activities that encouraged creativity and problem-solving.
In high school, I was lucky to have one of those rare, truly inspirational science teachers who nurtured my curiosity and encouraged me to explore the world through a scientific lens. Their influence played a pivotal role in shaping my passion for science and technology.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career that you are most proud of?
I am an instrumentation specialist with a strong background in analytical chemistry and laboratory automation, currently heading a development team focused on innovative method development. My team recently achieved a significant milestone by developing and validating an automated liquid-liquid extraction method for liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly, aligned with pharmacopeial monographs. This is believed to be a world first utilizing Australian-designed instrumentation.
I had the honour of presenting this groundbreaking work at Pittcon 2025 in Boston, USA, where I co-organized a symposium that brought together scientists from around the globe. It was a proud moment to showcase Australian innovation on an international stage.
In addition, I presented at the PharmOut 2025 GMP Forum in Melbourne, where I shared my practical insights on automating sample preparation in regulated laboratory environments. Engaging with fellow scientists, innovators, and quality professionals in this context has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Have you faced any challenges or barriers as a woman in STEM? If so, how did you overcome them?
The field I work in has traditionally been very male-dominated. Fortunately, most of the scientists I’ve worked with, whether on internal teams or through external collaborations have been supportive and have not shown bias based on gender.
Ironically, the challenges I’ve faced have sometimes come from other women who questioned why a woman would choose to work in technology, or assumed that having a family would make me less capable than my male colleagues. I hope that through my work and accomplishments, I’ve been able to challenge and disprove those assumptions.
How has your personal life (e.g., family, hobbies, or other commitments) influenced your career in STEM?
My hobbies tend to be creative but also involve a technical edge -things like hands-on projects or problem-solving activities - which I think naturally complement the work I do. I’ve always enjoyed that blend of creativity and precision.
My family are my biggest cheerleaders. We all work in different, but related, fields, and I often find myself bouncing ideas off them. Their insights and experiences have helped shape the way I approach challenges, and I love that problem-solving has become something we share across our different careers.
Have you mentored or inspired others to pursue STEM careers?
I've had the privilege of being involved with the Monash University internship program over the past few years. Mentoring and supporting emerging scientists at the start of their careers is genuinely rewarding, and something I consider a real honour.
I’ve also shared my journey at Student Union events and frequently speak to student tour groups visiting the laboratory where I work. Contributing to their understanding of real-world science and hopefully inspiring their next steps is something I’m truly passionate about.
What advice would you give to young women considering a future in STEM?
To all the young women just beginning your journey:
The only person who truly has control over your future is you. The world you’re stepping into will be shaped by the ideas, innovations, and discoveries you help create. Being part of the future of science, technology, and automation is not just possible, it’s exciting, and it’s waiting for minds like yours.
So follow your curiosity. Trust your instincts. Dream boldly and don’t be afraid to reach for something that feels just out of reach. And if anyone ever tells you that you can’t do something because you’re “just a girl” (or “just” anything), know this: their words say more about them than they ever will about you.
You belong in this space. Keep going, you’re capable of more than you know.
What are your current goals or projects in your field?
I’m currently focused on automating all manual sample preparation processes within our laboratory, aiming to improve sustainability, efficiency, consistency, and data integrity. In parallel, I’m working to streamline and simplify workflows that support broader laboratory operations.
Wherever possible, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to standardize practices across the organization. The goal is to align our processes and ensure we’re all speaking the same language - creating a more cohesive, efficient, and future-ready environment.
How do you see the role of women in STEM evolving in the future?
I believe the future of women in STEM is incredibly bright. Around the world, women are not only leading research teams but also driving the development of groundbreaking technologies. Their contributions are shaping the future and paving the way for the next generation of innovators.
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Mrs Helen Evans-Lemmo
Instrumentation Specialist
Ego Pharmaceuticals
Field of expertise: Laboratory Instrumentation & Automation
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