In this inspiring very first episode of the Polly Farmer Follow the Dream podcast, host Ray Garrett sits down with Follow the Dream alumni Alaxandrea O’Brien, who is making history as one of Australia’s emerging Indigenous leaders in STEM. From growing up under the spectacular night skies of the Kimberley to securing a placement at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory through the National Indigenous Space Academy, Alaxandrea shares the journey that turned a childhood fascination with the stars into an extraordinary opportunity.
Listen to Alaxandrea O’Brien episode here
Alaxandrea reflects on the pivotal role the Follow the Dream program played in her success, from tutoring and mentoring support through high school to receiving the Polly Farmer Foundation Motorola Solutions Engineering and Technology Scholarship while studying environmental engineering at UWA. She speaks candidly about overcoming educational challenges, building confidence, and the power of having people who believe in your potential. Along the way, she discusses the surprising connections between environmental engineering and space exploration, what it’s really like working at NASA, and why no dream should ever be considered out of reach.
The conversation also explores the importance of First Nations representation in STEM, the unique perspectives Indigenous knowledge brings to science and innovation, and Alaxandrea’s vision for using her skills to create positive change for communities across Australia. Packed with inspiration, practical advice and powerful reflections, this episode is a reminder to every Follow the Dream student and alumni that with hard work, support and belief in yourself, extraordinary opportunities can become reality.
This podcast was recorded at the Polly Farmer Foundation’s head office, located on the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We acknowledge the Whadjuk ancestors for looking after us and the work we do with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Because we work across Australia, we would also like to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of the land and waters across our Country. We pay our deep respects to Elders past, those stewarding us in the present, and the young leaders we connect with every day who are strong in identity and culture. The past is not just the past, it is bound up with us in the present and connects and guides us in our work every day.
Click here to follow the Polly Farmer Follow the Dream Podcast
