As a mechanical engineer who has moved from research into the realms of federal space industry policy to become a leader of space-related activities within Australia's premier national scientific and industrial research organisation, CSIRO, Dr Clayfield provides inspiration to her fellow engineers through the opportunities she has helped to create for the Australian space sector.
Formerly an Assistant Manager within the Australian Government's Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Dr Clayfield played a key role in developing the policy proposal which led to the May 2009 announcement of $48.6 million to support the development of the Australian space science and industry sector. This has created an opportunity for growth in space research and commercial space activity which has not been available in more than a decade, and will indirectly benefit the wider community through the development of indigenous knowledge, expertise and world-class space-related technology with applications in every aspect of our daily lives.
Now, in her current role as Executive Manager of CSIRO Space Sciences and Technology, Dr Clayfield supports space science and engineering projects of national significance, from the development of satellite earth observation technologies and techniques, to the construction of the world-class Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder radio-telescope.
Outside of work, Dr Clayfield represents the engineering profession in a number of forums both at the national and international levels; she also has a passion for science education and dedicates much of her personal time to inspiring high school students to study science and engineering, particularly through her role as Program Director of the South Australian Space School and National Space Camp Woomera, through which she has mentored more than 500 students to date.
