I run an educational not-for-profit (reporting to a Board) called Earth Science WA. We create resources, train teachers, present incursions, support events and do many more things to support the teaching of Earth and Space Science (K-10) and Earth and Environmental Science (Year 11 and 12).
What has your career path been like?
I studied Biological and Environmental Sciences at Murdoch University then went straight into a Graduate Diploma of Education. From there I worked as a teacher in a district high school covering everything from Science and Maths to Outdoor Ed and Computing. Over time, I specialised in Science and Earth and Environmental Science teaching (and fell in love with earth science). The opportunity to work with Earth Science WA (ESWA) came up and I jumped at it, starting as Executive Officer, Secondary Education and then moving on to CEO. During this time I also completed a Graduate Diploma in Mineral Exploration Geosciences through the WA School of Mines.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Everybody feels under qualified for their dream job, just go for it! This advice led me to apply for the job with ESWA and allowed me to work hard to increase my knowledge and skill base in the very best place for me.
What do you enjoy most about your job/research?
I love sharing my passion for earth and environmental sciences, encouraging other young women (and men) to consider it as a wonderful (and important) career. I fell into both environmental and earth sciences, I started out in biology and, after taking an environmental science elective in my first year, added it to my degree. Then I was given the opportunity to teach the Year 11/12 subject Earth and Environmental Science and fell in love with Earth Science and that has led me to where I am today.
“Everybody feels under qualified for their dream job, just go for it!
What does a typical day of work involve for you?
Every day is different (that’s why I love it)! I could be running hands-on incursions at a school, taking students out on a field trip, training teachers, working on new teaching resources, creating marketing materials, developing our websites, meeting with collaborators and sponsors, reporting to our Board, travelling to regional schools or conferences, updating our finances (or any number of administrative tasks) or any combination of these really.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the same field?
Take interesting electives, follow your heart and volunteer for programs that work with students (I get such joy out of seeing them become enthused about what I love).
Is there anything you find difficult/challenging? If so, how do you deal with this, is there any advice you have for someone in a similar position?
I find juggling competing interests and tasks challenging. My advice is to get really organised, I am always on the look-out for platforms/software that helps me to reduce my time spent on administration and to keep me focused on what is important.
How has the field you work in changed (particularly regarding women) since you have started working?
Teaching and science communication have always been female friendly fields but I am finding that I am working with more and more women in the resources industry (in increasingly senior roles) and I love that.
What do you see as the next steps forward in your field?
I think we need to help students prepare for a rapidly changing workplace and would love to work more on what skills students need and how ESWA could help with that.
You can find out more about ESWA here: www.earthsciencewa.com.au, or on Facebook and Twitter.