The STEM Demystified Digital Portal is now live, a new home for real STEM stories made for teachers, educators, and curious young learners. Built to make STEM feel closer, friendlier, and genuinely possible, the portal brings together global role‑model stories, interactive exploration, and classroom‑ready inspiration. It’s a growing resource designed to help children see themselves in STEM, and to give educators an easy way to bring real‑world representation into lessons. Explore the portal at stemdemystified.com.
Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle women under- representation in STEM. This weekly Newsletter will showcase how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide. Today, Kat Greenbrook is our STEM role model. Born in New Zealand, Kat initially aspired to become a veterinarian, diligently studying a range of STEM subjects in high school. However, her path took a few unexpected turns, leading her to earn a degree in Genetics.
Deciding not to pursue a traditional scientific career, Kat diversified her expertise by
attaining a second degree in Design. This unique combination of science, business, and
design led her to author The Data Storyteller’s Handbook and found the innovative data storytelling company, Rogue Penguin. Through her work, Kat empowers data professionals to communicate complex data effectively through the art of storytelling. Let’s dive into her journey and explore how she has navigated various challenges and changes along the way.
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally or academically?
I studied a lot of STEM subjects at high school (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus) with the intention of becoming a vet. But after one semester in the veterinary science programme, I knew it wasn’t for me. I switched my major to Genetics, a subject that had always fascinated me. Upon graduating, despite my interest in the theory of what I learned, I didn’t want to be a Scientist and therefore struggled to get a job.
My first job was for a large laboratory in their call centre. But that was my foot in the door to business and I’ve never looked back. Because of the nature of my degree, I was soon working in data analytics. After ten years, I went back to study. While employed as an Analytics Consultant, I graduated with a design degree. It was in this combination of science and art that I found my happy place. I currently work as a Visual Data Storyteller after founding the company Rogue Penguin in 2016.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or
anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
As a kid, some of my favourite books to read were by Michael Crichton. He made science easy to understand and fascinating to imagine how it could be applied. I got into STEM because I was interested in it — and no one told me I couldn’t do it.
What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?
Writing The Data Storyteller’s Handbook.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
It was only when I started working that I became aware of certain challenges. Most of my science degree cohort were female so I didn’t identify any gender bias. While this wasn’t true for all STEM fields, it wasn’t something I personally recognised until I left
university.
I like to think I’ve never been discriminated against based on gender, but I have experienced the feeling of not belonging because of my gender. Fifteen years ago, the data space was predominantly male (much more so than today), and boys clubs were a thing, especially at a leadership level. It’s hard to feel that career door is open when the one thing that guarantees you entry, you don’t have.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
I think there are two directions to approach this from: organisational culture and a woman’s self-belief.
Educating everyone in an organisation on how to show (and not just feel) empathy for others of different genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, will help improve the overall feeling of belonging. Many people probably don’t realise that others don’t always feel welcome.
And until the above happens, women need to be ready to act like they belong, even if they feel they don’t. Peer groups help to build confidence and change the inner narrative that stops many women putting their hand up.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?
STEM might be popular but, like any field, don’t pursue it if it doesn’t interest you. Think about the kind of role you want as this can help guide your study choice. However, many jobs that exist now didn’t exist when I was studying so don’t worry if you study something just because you love it. Don’t discount the soft skills. Even if you work in STEM, you’ll still have to communicate what you do.
Kat Greenbrook’s journey underscores the power of adaptability and the importance of pursuing our passions, even when the path is not linear. Her story is a testament to the idea that success in STEM is not confined to traditional roles.
By combining her interests in science and design, Kat has carved out a unique niche for herself and made significant contributions to the field of data storytelling. Her resilience in facing and overcoming challenges, including gender biases in the industry, is a powerful reminder that perseverance and self-belief are key to breaking barriers.
