IWD 2023 - Melinda Glew
This IWD, we talk to women in Bass Coast who have pursued a career in STEM.
Melinda Glew - Westernport Water
Wastewater Quality Specialist and Climate Change and Environmental Advisor.
When and why did you get interested in STEM?
I felt I had a lot to contribute to the STEM fields as it is an area I’ve been interested for quite a while. Science wasn’t always my focus, but I love it, and I am glad I studied to be part of the collaboration between these disciplines. I can also be proud of my accomplishments and to show my two girls what is achievable, regardless of family commitments and life balance.
What do you love about your job?
I have two roles in this organisation, I love the variety of work I do. One day I may be sampling out in the field and investigating changes in the environment, and the next day sitting at my desk developing a strategy to adapt to the changing climate we are faced with. I feel privileged to be working in a collaborative environment where science and engineering disciplines regularly interact with environment and providing great learning experience and knowledge sharing opportunities.
Do you think it is important for more women to work in STEM?
Yes I do, women will create role models for young girls aspiring for a career in STEM fields, and will subsequently start the shift in thinking to support the ideal that women can study and be successful in any one of these disciplines.
What is one thing government/schools/organisations could do to increase the number of women working in STEM?
Inspire by demonstrating different areas/jobs that are applicable to these fields and how women can aspire to achieve to have a career in one, especially with the flexibility of work life balance that has developed from COVID-19 lockdowns.
Name a woman who inspires you, who has worked, or is working in the STEM field – and why do you admire her?
Women in my team inspire me every day both in science and engineering fields, these are intelligent, very capable women with experience and knowledge that they are willing to share.
This year’s IWD theme is around innovation and new technology – what is one prediction you have for future technology and how it will impact our lives?
Technology development is always trying to solve a problem. Thinking from a renewable energy perspective I hope we start to understand our expectations and reliance on energy has to change, and we as individuals need to compromise a little on our energy use behaviour in order to develop a robust suite of renewable energy technology to match our needs.
What advice would you give to your 12-year-old self in terms of pursuing a career in technology and science?
Learning never stops, as the world and concepts develop ensure you arm yourself with the tools to keep building on your knowledge, and critically think about information you are presented with.
