IWD 2023 - Paula Wasiak
This IWD, we talk to women in Bass Coast who have pursued a career in STEM.
Paula Wasiak - Phillip Island Nature Parks
Senior Research Officer. BSc(Hons).
When and why did you get interested in STEM?
I have always had a passion for wildlife, but I never considered a science career until a career advisor suggested it to me in my final year of high school. I completely fell in love with science in my first year of my degree and tried a bit of everything from astronomy and astrophysics to geography, before finally majoring in zoology and conservation ecology.
What do you love about your job?
Working in conservation and being able to see the tangible positive results of your work is beyond rewarding. Using novel research methods and being part of a team helping to answer the unknowns is exciting and means that each day can be different.
Do you think it is important for more women to work in STEM?
Diversity in STEM benefits everyone. It’s not only a rewarding career choice, but by including a diverse range of people you bring in differing life experiences and viewpoints to both the research questions and the interpretation of data.
What is one thing government/schools/organisations could do to increase the number of women working in STEM?
It’s hard to choose just the one! In the workplace, increasing flexibility and understanding around those who have families is a must to retain women in STEM workforces. There is a distinct lack of women in STEM leadership roles and ensuring that training is available so that women not only stay in STEM but advance in their career is essential. And finally, workplaces must value their part time workers as much as their full times ones. Someone might not be able to work full time due to family commitments, but they are still an important part of the team that should be given opportunities to grow.
Name a woman who inspires you, who has worked, or is working in the STEM field – and why do you admire her?
Growing up, there was a distinct lack of visible women in STEM and I often wonder how different my life would be if there were abundant women scientists in the media to inspire children and adults alike.
Now as an adult, I find Dr. Rebecca McIntosh, Marine Scientist at Phillip Island Nature Parks a daily inspiration. Her work with Australian fur seals as a sentinel species to understand our changing oceans is inspirational and I love her novel approaches to her research. If you haven’t checked out her citizen science project, SealSpotter, I highly recommend: natureparksresearch.com.au/sealSpotter/
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?
The increase in robots. From robotic butlers in homes, to military robots, to even robotic pollinators, we will see an increase in robots in the future. This will likely see a drop in physical and manual jobs but a greater demand for STEM positions. Creating workplaces that actively support and encourage diversity in the robotics and automation sectors will be vital to create robots that better reflect our society.
What advice would you give to your 12-year-old self in terms of pursuing a career in technology and science?
To go for it, take any opportunity you can and don’t hold back.
