KZ: Hi Daniel! You are the founding CEO of GreenSTEM Education, Tasmania’s first STEM education-focused charity. What is the aim of GreenSTEM Education?

D: GreenSTEM Education exists to make sure every kid and community in Australia can access awesome STEM opportunities, no matter where they live! Our flagship program is Greenpower, where students design, build and race their own electric cars. This June, a team of Year 6 girls from Sydney will become the first-ever Aussie team to race in the UK – how cool is that?! We also run FIRST LEGO League tournaments, provide access to resources and run a free after-school club called STEM Unlimited – which enables young people in our area to participate in FIRST LEGO League and Greenpower for free, regardless of the school they attend. One of our teams placed second in their FLL competition and competed in the National Championships in Sydney.

KZ: Did you study any subjects or take part in any activities as a child that gave you skills you use at work?

D: I've loved STEM for as long as I can remember! When I was a kid, I loved fixing broken toys, electronics, and even cars with my dad. I’ve always been a big motorsport fan—especially Formula 1—and was fascinated by the engineering behind it. I also played a lot of video games (still do when I can!). My favourite school subjects were robotics, electronics, mechanics, science, and coding. Today, I get to use all of those interests as a teacher and as the CEO of GreenSTEM Education—and now I share those same hobbies with my two amazing daughters!

KZ: What would you say to K-Zoners who want to work in a similar role as a teacher?

D: Follow your passions, stay curious, and dream big, because STEM can take you anywhere! My career has taken me across Australia and around the world, connecting with amazing people doing incredible things. There’s so much more to STEM and teaching than just the classroom. I’ve learned to embrace challenges and use every setback as a chance to grow. The future of STEM is huge, and it needs creative problem-solvers like you. Whether you love building, designing, inventing, coding or helping others—there’s a path waiting for you. Believe in yourself. STEM unlocks unlimited possibilities for what you can be and do!

To read the main Ideas Lab interview with Daniel Edwards, grab the 'Galactic Drift' 2025 issue of K-Zone, on sale now!