Macquarie University Incubator
Expert/Enabler-in-Residence · Since June 2021
The Mission
The Macquarie University Incubator supports students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into ventures that matter. Mel joined in June 2021 as Expert/Enabler-in-Residence, bringing her background in ecological research, design thinking, and social innovation to shape how the next generation of problem-solvers approaches complex, systemic challenges.
Programs designed and delivered
Design Think Challenge: "Let's Get Wasted"
Mel's signature program at the Incubator. The Design Think Challenge reimagines how participants approach problem-solving and engage in social innovation, using the framing of waste (in the broadest sense) to challenge conventional thinking about resources, systems, and value. It's an immersive experience that gets people out of their habitual frames and into genuinely new territory.
HDR Expansivity Program
A program for Higher Degree Research (PhD and Masters) students, helping them expand their thinking beyond their discipline and apply their research to real-world innovation challenges.
Student START Program
A foundational entrepreneurship program for undergraduate students taking their first steps into innovation and venture building.
Design Thinking Program
A structured program in human-centred design methodology, equipping participants with the tools to prototype and iterate solutions to complex problems.
MQ Incubator Educate Program
Curriculum designed specifically for early-stage startups in the Incubator, covering strategy, validation, and sustainable business model design.
Philosophy
Mel's approach to teaching and facilitation is rooted in her scientific background, turned outward. She wants participants to become more strategic, more creative, and more aware of the systemic nature of the problems they're working on. Better thinking produces better designs, better products, better services, and better systems.
She works as an educator and humanitarian, facilitating learning experiences designed to help people think more strategically about solving global challenges.
Key facts
- Role
- Expert/Enabler-in-Residence
- Joined
- June 2021
- Institution
- Macquarie University Incubator, Sydney
- Programs led
- 5 programs (and growing)
- Focus areas
- Design thinking, social innovation, entrepreneurship, climate action
Interested in Mel facilitating a workshop or program for your organisation?
Get in touch