STEM Profile: Maria Parappilly

Maria Parappilly

Professor of Physics

Maria Parappilly OAM is a Physics Professor and a multi award winning physics educator at Flinders University who is a passionate advocate for advancing women in STEM. Maria received her PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics from the University of Adelaide in 2006.

City/town: Adelaide

State: SA

STEMM sectors: Education, Research, Science, Wider STEMM / Other

Open to being contacted about the following volunteer roles: Board positions, Mentoring others, Speaking at professional events/panels, Speaking at schools

Guiding principle: I am passionate about creating opportunities that empower women and girls to discover their potential, build confidence, pursue their STEMM aspirations.

Areas of expertise: Physics, Science Education, Upskilling Nuclear Education, Girls in STEM

Contact Maria Parappilly

Q&A

Who is a woman in a STEMM field that you admire, or who has influenced your work?

I admire Emmy Noether not only for her groundbreaking contributions to physics and mathematics but also for her extraordinary perseverance in overcoming the barriers faced by women in science at her time. Her resilience and intellectual brilliance inspire me.

What’s a problem in your field that keeps you up at night, and why does it matter to you personally?

Women remain underrepresented in STEM particularly in physics and engineering. It matters deeply to me because I see talented young women dropping out due to persistent stereotypes, lack of role-models and limited opportunities.

What’s a small, everyday habit or mindset that has made a big difference in how you approach your work?

From little things, big things grow” is a principle I live by. I have seen how small acts of encouragement and opportunity can build confidence, open doors, and inspire students, especially women and girls, to pursue STEMM pathways and leadership roles.

What drew you to your field in the first place?

I was drawn to physics in Year 8 when I discovered the joy of solving problems, and I have loved it ever since. Maths and physics were always my favs. As I learned more, I became fascinated by the patterns emerging from physical phenomena and the fundamental physics principles that explain them.