Join us in congratulating and expressing immense gratitude to Greg McNamara, who has recently retired after dedicating over 10 years as Program Director, Earth and Environmental Science Olympiad for Australian Science Innovations (ASI).

Greg obtained his Masters of Science in Geology, Stratigraphy, Geochronology and Vertebrate Palaeontology in 1997. He has been the Director for Geoscience Education and Outreach Services for over twenty years, and has worked as an Educational and Outreach Consultant for Geological Society for Australia. Greg set up the foundations of the Education Centre at Geoscience Australia, and started the school group visits that continue today. Over 170,000 kids have now come through in the intervening 25 years.

“Thank you for all that you have done for geoscience education during your career. Your impact on hundreds of teachers and thousands of students over the years has been immeasurable. Taking on the EESO ten, or so, years ago has been your pièce de résistance. You set up and ran incredibly successful exams, Summer Schools and teams for the actual Olympiads, with dedication, humour, skill and patience. The success of the teams in international competition has been a huge credit to you and the team you brought together to support them!”

Shona Blewett, Education and Outreach Team Manager at Geoscience Australia

As the inaugural Program Director for Earth and Environmental Science Olympiad program, Greg’s vision and dedication have been integral in establishing a highly esteemed program. He not only fostered a culture of cooperation and collaboration but also infused his teaching with excitement and fun.

At the ASO Summer School, the students learn the moves to a special ‘geology dance’ that they proudly perform at the farewell party. Greg has worked tirelessly to provide innovative and exciting programming for the Earth and Environmental Science students.

“I often tell people that EES Summer School and IESO have been the highlights of my life, and none of these experiences would have been possible if it weren’t for your dedication to Earth science education and the Olympiad.”

Carolyn Wang, Gold medal winner at the 2024 International Earth Sciences Olympiad, held in Beijing, China

To further demonstrate his commitment to the program, Greg led nine teams representing Australia at six overseas and three virtual International Science Olympiads. This has seen the Australian teams bring home 17 Gold, 24 Silver and 7 Bronze from 2015 to 2024. His support has seen the teams not only earn medals but continually provide students with innovative and enriching experiences.

“What an honour it has been to know you! I feel incredibly lucky to have met you and my experience at summer school and in IESO has truly been life-altering. Thank you for your endless wisdom, unparalleled humour, passion towards education and cool rocks, and of course, for teaching me to appreciate the path of the generalist.”

Cathy Zhang, Silver medal winner at the 2023 International Earth Science, China (held online)

 

We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate science educator on our team. The testimonials and praise we continually hear reflect not only his exceptional teaching and mentorship of students and Science Olympians, but also the profound impact he’s had on his program team members throughout the years.

“When I reflect on my time with the AESO and IESO, it is so clear that your tutelage was a defining part of that experience. I am so lucky to have learned under your guidance – not just about Earth science itself, but also about all sorts of institutional knowledge about the research scene, how to be a responsible scientists, and most importantly, a good person.”

EES Program student and medallist at the International Earth Science Olympiad.

“You’ve shown me that the greatest impact one can have on others is not from any grand singular moment, but rather emerges from consistent challenge, encouragement and empowerment. Through the EESO program, you cultivated a space where so many students and staff, myself included, finally found their place.”

Wayne Wong, Silver medal winner at the 2018 International Earth Science Olympiad, held in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Wayne is Co-Deputy Program Director for the EES Program.

Note: messages shared with permission