It seems like everyone’s out to disrupt these days, but a special few are channeling their efforts into making the world a better place.

We’ve spoken with five young Aussies about how the projects and research they’ve developed are already making a huge positive impact, both locally and globally.

#1 Joss Kesby, Super-Efficient Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are already known for being a highly efficient energy source, but Joss Kesby is developing one that is smaller than standard but produces twice as much power through his PhD research.

“Although there is not one ‘silver bullet’ technology that will solve all of our energy problems, a future powered entirely by renewable energy will happen faster than most people expect,” he told Junkee. “Giving people the opportunity to become energy self-sufficient and to reduce their impact on the planet is a really exciting prospect.”

Currently completing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Joss has also established a small business called Diffuse Energy with two uni colleagues, with trial customers already significantly reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Joss’s vision for a cleaner and brighter future is inspiring. “I believe that a certain amount of stress is necessary to achieve great things, but spending time with my young family helps me to keep things in perspective and provides the necessary motivation during the tougher periods.” Legend.

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#2 Mikahlia Holmes, Alternative Learning Research

What do you think of when you hear the word “education”? For Mikahlia Holmes it’s a passion for learning and development of learning methods that inspire excitement.

An “incredible” study tour to France and Belgium pushed this passion for education into a drive to help others find their own. “There was a big focus on experiential learning at the museums, engaging school students in being physically involved through recreated trenches and bunkers. Although this is done in Australia, it isn’t as commonplace.”

Mikahlia now works as a Research Assistant on the development of a national approach to professional learning for teachers and helping education staff to best support students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. She’s also a university tutor, sharing these passions with students.

So, what’s her advice for students struggling with self-doubt or academic pressure? “You are not alone!(…) Be flexible, have options, focus on the end goal, and don’t stop, even when things seem daunting or impossible.”

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#3 James Rabbitt, Coding And Robotics

We live in a world where coding and robotics are increasingly relevant (but hopefully not in a dystopian sci-fi way), but not always easy to learn. James Rabbitt developed his startup, Broader Learning, after noticing young students are keen to learn STEM concepts.

“My business partner, Mitch, and I volunteered to teach coding and robotics in schools during our first few years of study,” James told Junkee. It was here that he noticed a gap in the market.

“We realised that, because of our study areas and interest in teaching, we were well positioned to meet that need.”

He also co-founded software BestPark, which shows parking availability in real time, and works as a developer.

Last year, he was named the University of Newcastle’s Student Entrepreneur of the Year and he encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, too. “I’m not disputing or diminishing the value of academic performance – keep that up – but ensure you make an effort outside of your studies to differentiate yourself from the rest of the cohort.”

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#4 Dr Jessica Allen, Energy Efficiency Research

Many of us learned about recycling from Captain Planet, but these days, people like Dr Jess Allen are leading the way with alternative energy sources research.

“Tackling climate change doesn’t just mean installing more solar panels and wind turbines. Changing how we generate energy and electricity is part of the solution, certainly, but there are so many pollution issues which can’t be solved in this way across not only energy but also manufacturing, industry and agriculture.”

Jess and her team are working on a technology called (DCFC) and has scored a grant to trial it overseas. “[It’s] short for the direct carbon fuel cell. It works by harnessing spontaneous electrochemical reactions to generate an electric current with extremely high efficiency.”

Essentially, it’s twice as efficient as burning coal and has way less impact on Mother Earth. Win-win!

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#5 Tye McGann, Elite Sports Research

Tye McGann’s love of basketball has led to pioneering innovative research. Funded by the NBA and GE Healthcare, his PhD studies explore the biometrics of athletic performance, helping to quantify effects of fatigue and injury in basketball, with the aim of helping the LeBron Jameses of the world perform at their very best.

He also co-founded Triple Double Performance, a business that uses specialist coaching and strength and conditioning principles to help young athletes improve. “[It] enables us to give the best opportunities to all individuals (…) the chance to maximise their performance and avoid injuries.”

And while he’ll likely focus on sports science full-time in future, he’ll never stop playing the game.

“My (…) focus on the research comes from growing up with the game and the love of the sport, being able to build a sports science career involving the game in some way, shape or form has always been a dream.”

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(All images courtesy of the University of Newcastle)

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The world needs NEW, and NEW needs you. Visit the University of Newcastle website to find out how students and researchers are making a difference in the world.