Like a lot people, I’m never short of an idea. The problem I have though is that the ideas are usually fleeting thoughts that are never followed through on. Macinley Butson, on the other hand, is one of the few who has taken action on her light bulb moments which are having a profound impact on people all over the world.

Over the past several years, Macinley has been the brains behind several inventions from water filtration, accurate medicine dosage to radiation protection armour for breast cancer patients.

Oh yeah, it might be worth noting that Macinley is only 17.

Now, I could feel utterly useless in comparison (it’s not worth commenting on what I was like as a 17 year old – trust me) or I could feel completely inspired. Let’s choose the latter!

Macinley’s accomplishments have seen her gracing the Tedx stage (video below), receive the 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year and a multitude of other awards that would no doubt overwhelm even the proudest of parents of trophy cabinets.

In our chat we covered some of her most talked about inventions and ideas to date, how she has handled the increasing attention, public speaking and her first clash with the media where some of her words were taken out of context and how she has had to deal with some of those consequences.

Macinley is not only focused on impacting as many as possible through her academic abilities, but also through her words. There is a strong message in her actions which encourages everyone to excel in what they are passionate about and use these strengths to help others.

You can discover more about Macinley and follow her endeavours via the links and videos below.

Show notes

Follow Macinley via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |

Article – TIGS inventor MacInley Butson is the first NSW high school student to win a new science grant (Illawarra Mercury)
Article – How this schoolgirl teaches herself the science behind these genius inventions (News.com.au)
Article – More international success for teenage Mangerton scientist Macinley Butson (Illawarra Mercury)