This February we celebrated some of the amazing women in science to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Wednesday 11 February.
Meet some of the remarkable women working in our region:
Anara Watson
I am nearing completion of a double degree in Law and Legal Practice (Honours) and Environmental Science at Flinders University. My research centres on environmental law, with a particular focus on the application of international law, water resource regulation and the protection of flora and fauna.
I’m drawn to this field because it brings together my grounding in both law and science, allowing me to approach legal questions with greater depth and nuance.
I’ve recently relocated to Canberra to begin a role in environmental and social advocacy, and I’m looking forward to contributing to policy conversations that support community-driven environmental outcomes.
Outside of my work and research, I spend as much time as I can outdoors. Hiking gives me the space to reset and reconnect with the landscapes that motivate me, while birdwatching allows me to appreciate the small things that often go unnoticed.
Rhiannon Ashleigh Van Eck
I’m a research assistant in Gillanders Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Adelaide University, working in both marine and freshwater science.
My care for the environment and protecting ecosystems drives my work, which delves into ageing and chemistry for both fish and shells, combatting seafood fraud and plastic pollution.
I’m super passionate about communicating science especially through outreach, education and good visual design. My favourite thing to do is immerse myself into the ocean with a snorkel, looking in awe at all the stunning creatures below.
Ruth Cope
I’m a Research Assistant (Adelaide University) on the CLLMM Research Centre funded project ‘Conserving Waterbird Populations of the CLLMM and Broader Landscape Under Climate Change’.
My work involves driving along Coorong Ocean Beach to locate shorebird nests, deploying camera traps, and capturing various waterbird species to attach GPS tracking devices.
I hope my research will improve understanding of waterbird movements and threats, helping to better protect them in the Coorong region and beyond.
I love birds and I love being by the water, so work doesn’t get much better than this! When I’m not in the Coorong, I’m catching up with my friends, having coffees, and reading my kindle.
Hannah McKennall
Hi, I’m Hannah!
I have just finished my degree with honours from Flinders University in Animal Behaviour Science, and I am continuing on as an ecological research assistant this year, whilst studying a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care through Taronga!
I love learning about animals and being in nature. What really drives me is understanding how our activities as humans impacts different species, and talking with communities to learn how together we can be stewards of our environment.
I have loved university and have had amazing experiences working with many animals such as fish, lizards, and birds in lots of different places, including on Kangaroo Island! My honours research was a highlight of my degree, I got to do lots of work in the field learning about Rakali (the Australian water-rat), one of our lesser-known natives. It was so rewarding trialing new research techniques, talking with many members of the public, and ultimately seeing these incredible animals!
For my spare time I have lots of hobbies. I love being active by running and hiking, but I also love quiet activities like reading, cooking, and art. I also enjoy travelling to new places. Recently I took a trip to New Zealand, and the difference in wildlife, landscape, and weather was fascinating!
Emily
My name is Emily and I am a student at Goolwa Secondary College with a strong interest in environmental and land management science.
I am especially passionate about natural environments like the Coorong and enjoy learning how ecosystems can be protected and sustainably managed.
I’m interested in pursuing a science-based outdoor career, such as becoming a park ranger, and I am also considering marine biology as a future pathway so I can work more closely with coastal and marine ecosystems.
I hope to combine conservation knowledge with practical field skills in my future work. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, going out on the boat, spending time at the Coorong, bush walking, camping, travelling, and trying new activities and skills.