International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021

Role:

Team Leader, C3 Productive Coasts Team & the first female CEO of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science

Research area:

My lab is doing research that aligns with the goals of the UN Decade of the Ocean for: a clean, healthy, resilient, transparent and safe ocean that is a sustainably harvested and productive. We are working to understand the responses of microbes to contemporary ocean change and to understand the risks as well as mitigate the impacts of harmful algal blooms on coastal economies.

Why Science?

My happiest childhood memories were of seaside summer holidays at Phillip Island, Victoria, where we would spend hours in the water, exploring rockpools, and collecting shells. At that stage I was already saying I would become a marine biologist. But as an adult, if there was an important time point, it was during my second year at university where I really got interested in marine algae, my first love.

A moment of pride:

Seeing my PhD students graduate after all their hard work; Presenting at an international conference in Norway and being recognised as a leader in the field was an incredibly proud moment; and helping to create a new insight – that we must use a planktonic perspective if we are to understand the impacts of climate change on organisms that drift in the ocean.

Inspiration:

I’m inspired by nature and want it to be a sustaining lifeforce for humans so that we can be its best stewards—my view is what first nations people have known for thousands of years: a healthy ocean means healthy people.

The importance of women in Science:

Diversity across the board is very important. People identifying as she/her have a lot to contribute – and women have such wonderful ways of developing friendships within collaborations. I have learned enormously from the women I have worked with. As the Director of SIMS, I’m also aware that I’m a role model for others.

As Kamala Harris (Vice-President of the United States of America) said “I may be the first black woman in office, but I will not be the last”

Advice to aspiring future scientists:

Believe in yourself. Also, be curious, get involved and ask questions. Show people that you cultivate an interesting interior.

Role:

Postdoctoral Researcher, C3 Future Reefs Team

Research area:

My research is investigating the hidden diversity of chemical compounds that corals produce. In a way, I am trying to chemically describe the 'smell' of coral. This is really important because this smell can help us to understand the coral, its health and how these gases influence local climate.

Why Science?

When I was about 12 years old, I was lucky enough to go on a camping trip to Lady Musgrave Island and that is when I fell in love with the reef. When I went back to visit the reef again, I could see it changing – that was when I knew I wanted to do something with my life to help preserve these precious ecosystems.

A moment of pride in your career:

My most recent scientific article  has received quite a lot of media attention and seeing this interest in my research has been really rewarding. I can only hope that as we continue to learn about all the weird and wonderful things in the ocean, more and more people will be inspired to protect it.

Inspiration:

The natural world that inspires me most. If I am ever feeling overwhelmed, I try to get out into the ocean for a snorkel or go for a walk and watch the sunset. Taking small moments to really appreciate the natural world keeps me motivated and continually inspires me.

Importance of women in science:

I have been fortunate enough to be raised and then educated in an environment where my gender was never viewed as something to be overcome, it was never a question that being a woman would prevent me from pursuing research and for that, I thank all the incredible women who came before me. That being said, my supervisors (while amazing and supportive) have always been predominantly male, so witnessing other female researchers at all levels of their careers, who choose to have a family or to not, is vital and allows me to see all the possibilities of a life as a scientist that are available to me.  

Advice to aspiring female scientists:

Never give up. It is simple to say yet can be very hard to do. Being a researcher isn’t easy – you have to want it, but it can be so rewarding and for me, it is so worth it!

Role:

PhD candidate, C3 Algal Biosystems Team 

Research area:

My work focuses on designing a replacement for fertilisers using microscopic algae. Traditional fertilisers are made from oil-based products that use non-renewable resources, and their continued application can slowly deteriorate soil quality and can often run off into waterways damaging aquatic systems. The products we can make with algae aim to replace these fertilisers, and are effective at lower concentrations and don’t have the negative environmental impacts. 

Why Science?

In school I discovered a love for science as I enjoyed learning how things worked and why. I originally wanted to work in coral research but when I was visiting family who live in regional NSW, I really saw how some parts of the community struggled. Some of the hardest working Australians (farmers) were doing it the toughest because they didn’t have the information they needed to optimise farming for their land.

A moment of pride:

I think one of the greatest moments was finding results that differed from everything else in my field so far. Knowing that I added a tiny piece of information that had never been known out into the world for the very first time – that was a moment of pride.

Inspiration: 

My love for problem solving - science presents a problem, and it is your job to find the answers. I’ve always felt like I wanted to make a difference and help people and I’ve found a way that my research can have long lasting effects on people’s lives. The people who inspire me the most are all the women who show me you can change the world, who are too innumerable to name. 

Importance of Women in Science:

Having someone who has gone before you is encouraging. Women supporting women in fields where we are still in the minority is critical. Science is based on collaboration, and when women are missing, we are excluding approximately half of the world’s population from the discussion.  

Advice for aspiring scientists:

The world of science needs you and what you bring. Don’t be afraid to be amazing. Find people who encourage your dream and keep them close.

Role:

 PhD Candidate, C3 Ocean Microbes Team

Research Area:

Bacteria and marine phytoplankton play such an integral role in marine ecosystems and the global climate, and so my PhD focuses on the chemicals that these two organisms exchange in their interactions, specifically hormones.

Why Science?

I was in my second year of my undergraduate degree at UTS, and was doing an internship with my now PhD supervisor. Working alongside one of his students in the labs piqued my interest in research and I decided that this was the field I wanted to pursue. 

A moment of pride:

Working on my first publication, it was the moment I realised my research had an impact and I could share my hard work with the wider community.

Inspiration:

Knowing that my research will have an impact is a major driver and is why I continue to work hard. 

Importance of women in Science:

Having a female mentor helped me a lot during my PhD - she was someone I could relate to and look up to. Driving me to work harder so I could reach her level of success. 

Advice to aspiring scientists:

If research is your field of interest, try to participate and engage in as many opportunities you can during your studies, whether that be internships, seminars or workshops.

Role:

Manager of the UTS Deep Green Biotech Hub, an innovation hub focused on giving tools to small businesses and startups to utilise algae in the businesses, products, and developing new services. I also coordinate and teach several undergraduate science subjects in ecology. 

Why Science?

I don’t think there was ever a moment growing up that I wasn’t interested in science or the world around me. But it took a few years of trying to figure out what I wanted to do to realise that I was passionate about protecting the future of our planet and working in climate change.

A moment of pride:

I’m not sure there is one distinct moment, but when I see a student that I taught in an exciting career, or a business that I worked with that has developed a new sustainable product, it feels like we’re one step closer to helping the planet. 

Importance of women in Science:

Science is diverse, with diverse applications and questions to ask. Without diverse representation in science, without multiple voices and perspectives, science can’t reach and affect the change we need it to. 

Advice to aspiring scientists:

Don’t let anyone limit your own potential.

Role:

I’m a research technician and I primarily look after the main microalgal collection at C3 to support research projects that involve culturing algae. 

Why Science?

I was always drawn to the ocean and its vastness. My curiosity led me to microscopy - being able to explore what exists beyond what is seen with the naked eye.

A moment of pride:

I feel that pride every day seeing the algae thrive and more so that they are utilised in research that provides a deeper insight of the world’s aquatic plant and microbe ecosystems.

Inspiration:

I’m inspired by the people that I work with and by their ideas to explore and get a deeper understanding of biological systems on a micro and macro scale. Human curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm keep me motivated.

Importance of women in Science:

Female presence in science is very important and very empowering. I find all the women that I work with inspiring and knowledgeable.  

Advice to aspiring scientists:

Stay curious, focused, and always kind to yourself. Science is challenging and constantly evolving, which is both exciting and overwhelming. All good things take time.