International Women's Day 2024

Tell us about your work and research at C3
As a former Assistant Technical Officer at C3, my work involved literature research on the latest developments in algal biosystems and biotechnology and hands-on lab duties for cultivation experiments. Now, transitioning into a research student role at C3, I’m excited to lead independent cultivation experiments to contribute to ongoing research. Growing up on the island of Upolu, Samoa, I fostered a strong connection to nature and a commitment to exploring solutions for environmental challenges, especially climate change - hence why algal research at C3 holds great importance for me.

Why did you choose to pursue science?
My initial fascination for science sparked at age six whilst watching Jade from the movie Bratz (2007) create fireworks in her high school science lab. This curiosity continued to grow through school projects, immersive lab experiences, and outdoor field trips. Pursuing a bachelor’s in advanced science at UTS led me to internships, notably at C3, where I developed a particular interest in algal biotechnology. I got the opportunity to work as an Assistant Technical Officer C3, solidifying my desire for a research career and prompting my enrolment in the Master of Philosophy program.

What achievements are you most proud of in your science journey?
Completing my bachelor’s degree as the first in my family to pursue tertiary education marks a pivotal milestone in my career journey and fulfils a shared dream within my family. Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, living independently, and being the only Samoan in my cohort, highlights the significance of this achievement and reinforces the importance of representation in higher education.

How do we encourage more women to pursue science?
Engagement from an early age is crucial in making science careers more attractive to future female-identifying scientists. While there are increasing efforts to promote STEM education in high schools through outreach and mentoring programs, I would like to see an extension of such initiatives to the grassroots levels. Focusing on younger age groups to actively challenge gender stereotypes and debunk the misconception that ‘science is hard’ can foster a positive attitude towards STEM subjects and lay the foundation for lifelong interest.

Tell us about your research at C3
I am an oceanographer who works on the tiny plants responsible for half the oxygen we breathe on Earth - phytoplankton. Specifically, I am interested in measuring primary productivity (the bottom of the food chain in the ocean) in Eastern Australia. Phytoplankton and primary productivity are important, not just for producing oxygen, but for marine biodiversity, especially as the ocean warms up and the community composition of phytoplankton changes, affecting all the organisms that depend on them.

What drove you to pursue science as a career?
I was always a curious kid and asked too many questions (or so I was told). I liked that science answered many questions, even some I didn't know I had. It made the world around me make more sense. At university, I participated in a Semester at Sea, doing ocean research on a tall ship from the US East Coast to the Caribbean. That's when I fell in love with oceanography.

Share a career highlight with us!
I won the prestigious Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship, which embedded me for a year in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of the Chief Scientist in Washington, D.C. to gain experience and expertise in science policy. I was incredibly proud of this achievement as the fellowship is extremely competitive (especially as a non-US citizen) and is only awarded to 33 people nationally.

What needs to be done to get more women involved in science?
In general, there should be more fun STEM-based opportunities for young people. Often STEM is seen as stuffy and for nerds, but it can be a lot of fun! Make those opportunities available when kids are young and are more open to new experiences.

Do you have any advice for women or girls interested in pursuing science?
Take all the opportunities that come your way and look for opportunities too. Don't limit yourself to what is available in your city, university, or country. It's a big world and science is international. There is always something interesting happening somewhere, a scientist that needs the help of a volunteer. Take opportunities to have valuable experiences and make contacts. Find mentors who are supportive. Believe in yourself.
 

Tell us about your research at C3
My research focuses on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), studying how environmental and biological factors influence their development. For Indonesia, a nation heavily dependent on fisheries for its economy, a proper understanding and management of HABs is essential to preserve marine life and ensure economic security. Through my work, I aspire to provide valuable insights into HAB management practices, with the goal of fostering both environmental conservation and economic stability in the region.

What is something about your journey as a scientist that you are proud of?
Being a researcher is something that I am proud of. I have always loved doing research. There is a new thing to discover each day - new knowledge gained, new enlightenment in each process, and faith that the research will make the world a better place.

Can you share any advice you’d give to women interested in pursuing a career in science?
Pursuing a career in STEM is challenging, but having supportive mentors is crucial for guidance and advice. As a researcher at the Research Center for Oceanography at BRIN in Indonesia, and a PhD candidate at Productive Coast Laboratory at C3, I have faced moments of doubt. However, the guidance and encouragement from my mentors have been instrumental in bringing me to this stage. Consistency and persistence are also important qualities for success.
 

Tell us about your role at UTS
I am a project development manager on the research translation team of the UTS Research Office. I coordinate activities for the Algal Research Translation foci in UTS, helping to bridge the space between research translation and commercialisation for projects that have commercial potential. It is important to ensure that the UTS academics who have developed technologies with impact and commercial potential are supported in their journey when translating their research into tangible products or outcomes. I work with them and the commercialisation staff to ensure that these projects have the resources they need to accelerate their progress through the commercialisation pathway, to a clearly defined outcome. This includes figuring out resources that can help overcome technical obstacles during the project. I also help with the project management aspect, ensuring that the research translation efforts stay focused and on track.

How could things be improved for women in STEM?
Many improvements have been made over the years, with more visible representation of female leaders in STEM, which is encouraging. I think we could benefit further from actively bringing awareness to the unconscious bias that still exists, by providing insights and training to recognise and mitigate these biases. 

Any advice to women looking to follow a career in science?
Look into all of the potential possibilities for a future career. Career options in STEM are no longer limited to becoming an academic or technical staff in industry. There are many diverse roles out there that require knowledge in STEM combined with soft skills in industries that may surprise you. STEM graduates are highly regarded in fields outside of science for the skills they acquire during their training.

Tell us about your research at C3
I lead a bioprospecting initiative to establish an Algae Culture Bank strategically aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project aims to transform industries and academia by facilitating access to premium algae strains for cutting-edge research and development. Our overarching objective is to foster economic growth (SDG-8), address climate change (SDG-13), and advocate for sustainable water management practices (SDG-6), thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Can you share any career highlights with us?
I experienced a profound sense of pride in the successful publication of my research work in a prestigious journal. The focus of my work was the proposition of an innovative biorefinery route, and I was particularly gratified to receive an acknowledgment from a distinguished professor associated with Imperial College London. But the pinnacle of pride for me occurred when I shared the news with my parents. Witnessing the sparkle in their eyes and the way they looked at me made me truly feel that I had not only achieved personal success but also made them immensely proud. As a daughter in a family where the desire for a son existed but wasn't fulfilled, reaching such heights allowed them to see that their daughter was more than capable, proving that gender was never a barrier to my accomplishments.

What can be done to encourage more women to pursue a career in science?
Strengthening mentorship programs that specifically support and guide female-identifying scientists will provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and career advice to competent and passionate females. Such programs should be cross-cultural and span across borders to ensure equal opportunities for all. We must implement measures to address unconscious bias in hiring, promotion, and evaluation processes. This can help eliminate stereotypes and create a more equitable workplace for everyone.

Do you have any advice for women interested in pursuing science?
First things first, identify your specific interests within STEM that excite you the most and then focus on that. Connect yourself with professionally successful, internationally renowned, and qualified mentors to seek guidance and mentorship. Always stay in learning mode and improve yourself each moment on all fronts, including personal and professional. Continuous learning and staying informed will enhance your expertise and market value.