Mr. Nathan Curnow

Mr. Nathan Curnow is the Head of Learning Area – Science at WillettonSenior High School in Perth, Western Australia which is one of the largest, high-performing high schools in the state. Nathan has been a teacher for 20years and is passionate about science education, science communicationand inspiring students and supporting their aspirations to study science. Hecares about connecting students with scientists, building critical andcreative thinking skills in learners and helping students become effectivescience communicators. In addition to his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science andGraduate Diploma of Education, Nathan holds a Masters in Educationfocusing on cognitive acceleration in science education, has beenthePresident of the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), serves on the Board of the Science Teachers Association of WesternAustralia (STAWA) and is Chair of the Chemical Education Groupfor the WA Branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), where he leads the group to organise outreach opportunities for studentsacross Western Australia. He also serves as a co-chair on the Teacher Advisory Group for the RACI. In 2025, Nathan was awarded the WAPremier’s Science Award – STEM Educator of the Year (Schools) andthe de Laeter Medal for outstanding contributions to science teaching. Having been part of the original ICQ Camp in Beijing in 2025, Nathanisreturning, excited to inspire and challenge a new group of students in 2026.

Ms. Olivia Belshaw

Olivia Belshaw is a senior leader in science education with over 15 years of teaching experience and 10 years as a Head Teacher, specialising in Chemistry and Biology. She is committed to high-quality science education, curriculum design, assessment development, and supporting strong student outcomes across diverse educational contexts. In addition to her teaching role, Olivia contributes to science education at state and national levels. She works as a content writer, curriculum designer, and digital resource creator for senior secondary sciences, and is currently involved in the development of new Chemistry textbooks aligned with updated curricula. She has authored examination-style questions and senior science assessment materials for state and nationally recognised education bodies, and contributes to Year 11 and Year 12 trial examinations, reflecting her expertise in senior science assessment design.

Olivia has held leadership roles within professional associations, including three years as Secretary of the Science Teachers Association of NSW (STANSW). She currently serves as a member of the CRISO Science Education Reference Group and as a member of the Teacher Advisory Group for the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, contributing to national discussions on chemistry education, curriculum, and assessment.

Her contributions to science education have been formally recognised, including a nomination for the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Science Teaching and receipt of the STANSW Award for Services to Chemistry Education. She has also supported exceptional student achievement, including mentoring a student to achieve the highest ATAR result in a NSW rural/regional school, and was recognised at a state level for her teaching and mentoring in Chemistry and Physics. Olivia has taught in rural, regional, and metropolitan schools and has consulted within the Juvenile Justice system to develop science programs that support student engagement and achievement. She is the founder and coordinator of national online networks for Australian science teachers in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and a co-creator of a national online resource hub supporting science educators.

She was selected as an Educator on Board aboard the CSIRO research vessel RV Investigator, working with scientists to develop classroom resources and support the integration of current research into secondary science education. She has shared this work with Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science, highlighting the connection between contemporary scientific research and classroom practice. Olivia brings extensive experience in classroom teaching, curriculum development, assessment design, and professional leadership to her work with students and teachers.

Ms. Catriona Chaikin

Catriona Chaikin is a highly accomplished Chemistry teacher at selective Horns by Girls High School in Sydney, NSW. She has more than 30 years of experience teaching secondary Chemistry across a wide range of school settings, including selective, private, public, and regional schools in both Australia and the UK. She has a particular interest in the application of mathematics to chemistry, the focus of her Master’s thesis, and is passionate about teaching gifted and talented students and encouraging girls to excel in this field. Catriona is a councillor with Science Teachers Association New South Wales (STANSW), and a member of the New South Wales RACI Chemical Education group.

Ms. Claire Phillips

With over 20 years of experience in education following six years working in the chemical industry, Claire Phillips brings a rich blend of professional expertise and educational leadership to this International Chemistry Camp. Their background in industry provides a strong foundation in real-world chemistry, which continues to inform engaging, authentic learning experiences for students. Having taught in a wide range of school settings across New South Wales, Australia, as well as in England, Claire offers a global perspective on science education and a deep appreciation for diverse learning contexts. As an instructor of this international program, Claire is passionate about fostering curiosity, collaboration and cultural exchange among students from different backgrounds. They are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively and develop a shared enthusiasm for chemistry beyond the classroom. Outside of teaching, Claire enjoys running, swimming and travelling, pursuits that reflect a love of challenge, wellbeing and exploring new cultures — values that strongly align with the spirit of this international learning experience.