From Melbourne Naarm, Australia
Growing up in and on the water, my passion for all things marine came from the freedoms of my childhood and grew exponentially when I started to scuba dive in my 20s. 🤿
I found my happy place under the water and my curiosity was sparked even more, so I ditched my first career in post-production and photography and headed back to Uni to start a Science degree.
This was huge challenge to overcome — I had dropped all science subjects when I was 14!
My passion and newfound thirst for marine and science knowledge led to completing an undergraduate degree, an Honours degree, and a PhD!
🐬 I feel completely in my element when I’m on the water with dolphins, whales, and seals. 🐬
One of my biggest achievements was discovering and naming a new dolphin species! The Burrunan, an indigenous name for dolphins in our area.
Only about four dolphin species have identified since the late 1800s, so as a female early-career researcher who, "doesn't get to do that," this was a surreal accomplishment.
I've since dedicated my life to understanding and conserving the Burrunan dolphin and its environment, and created the Marine Mammal Foundation in Australia — a non-profit aimed at world-leading scientific research and marine education.
I am incredibly proud of overcoming the challenges of a largely male-bias career, to have created this Foundation and, importantly...
...to empower the next generation of kick arse, intelligent, dedicated women in STEM and conservation. 💥
We have an all-female research team who are driving boats, reversing trailers, and flying drones, along with doing high-end international significant research in toxicology, genetics,
geospatial mapping and acoustics…just to name a few.
There are no limitations! Get out there, get dirty, follow
your passion, work hard, and make a difference in your own unique way.
🐬🐬🐬
🔥 What does this passion mean to you?
Passion makes me so dedicated and determined, and is what drives real positive change in the space you choose to be in. What I do is a 100% a passion job, certainly not a well paid one, but my passion to make an actual difference keeps me going.
Even in the tough times of conservation inaction, lack of funding and financial support, and in the face of overwhelming environmental change, community passion can make a difference.
🔥 Do you have a favorite SmashGrrrl design?
My favorite design has to be Headstrong Heroine. I wear my hoodie with absolute pride!
They whispered to her
You cannot withstand the storm.
She whispers back
I am the Storm
This empowers me so much. I have weathered a lot of storms, a lot of ‘you can’t’ and ‘women can’t’… never
doubt someone’s ability, determination, dedication and passion! We are the storm!
🔥 How about a quote, a mantra, a piece of wisdom for other women and girls?
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Dame Jane Goodall.
I quoted this in my TedX talk as one of the main moments I made that choice. Go for it!
