Dr Rule and fellow ANSTO scientist Dr Katie Sizeland did their bit to try and inspire young women into STEM careers, as ANSTO opened its doors on March 8 to more than 50 female STEM students.

The scientists shared their personal experiences on how they each built a successful career in science with young women from Kensington’s Sacred Heart College, and St Ives’ Brigidine College.

ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson said the event was one of a series of activities that can help young girls to see themselves in STEM careers and working in places like ANSTO in the future.

"Today, some of the most influential women in Australian science work within ANSTO or serve on our Board," Dr Paterson said.

"While we have made progress achieving gender parity on our Board under an acting female Board Chair and across our senior management team, we have more work to do.

"Encouraging young female students is a key part of our education and outreach program.

"Many of our STEM outreach activities are focussed on engaging young girls and women. We are fortunate to have such a high calibre of scientists at ANSTO who can be a source of inspiration."

Instrument scientist Dr Rule, who has a PhD in physics and postdoctoral experience overseas, is an authority on advanced magnetic materials and a committed advocate of STEM goals.

"Studying science at school enabled me to develop an extraordinary career in research which has taken me all around the world and back again," she said.

"Advanced physics is exciting, challenging and rewarding."

Read more: All the photos from Illawarra's International Women's Day event

Her colleague, biomedical materials scientist Dr Sizeland, this year was selected for STEM leadership Initiative, Homeward Bound.

"There are opportunities for women to use science in a variety of applications depending on their professional interests," she said.

"Every woman with a passion for science has the potential to bring a new perspective and new ideas to the field."