Science Communication

I enjoy sharing knowledge and engaging with diverse audiences through science communication. I’m particularly drawn to the creative challenge of visualizing my research and explaining complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible way for non-scientific audiences. Science communication is essential for building trust in research, encouraging informed decision-making, and inspiring curiosity about the natural world. I believe that making science approachable helps bridge the gap between research and society, and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges we face

Meet a Scientist: Teaching Kids About Offshore Wind Engineering

I recently partnered with my friend and colleague Dr Kelly Boden-Hawes to deliver an interactive session at Scitech, Perth AUS, as part of the Meet a Scientist summer program for children.

Representing Aurora Offshore Engineering, we introduced young learners to offshore wind energy and explored why renewable power is vital for a sustainable future. Using a hands-on LEGO offshore wind farm and lighthouse model, participants became engineers for the day as they tackled the challenge of restoring power to “Auroraville.”

Along the way, we discussed how electricity travels from wind turbines to shore and why engineers must design systems that can withstand storms and protect critical infrastructure.

Speaking Up for the Ocean – World Ocean Day 2025

This World Ocean Day, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at two inspiring events that celebrated our blue planet and the people working to protect it.

First, I joined the WAMSI World Ocean Day Breakfast on July 4, 2024, where I stood alongside fellow researchers from UWA to share a quick 1-minute pitch about my research. It was a fantastic moment to connect with other scientists, spark curiosity, and showcase how our work contributes to understanding and preserving the ocean.

On July 8, I had the joy of presenting to a much younger (and very enthusiastic!) audience at Scitech Perth. My talk, Operation Ocean: Explore, Discover, and Protect!, was aimed at 8-year-olds and focused on why the ocean matters. We explored how ocean currents shape the world, how whales and coral reefs "talk" underwater, and how pollution affects marine life. Most importantly, we talked about how every kid can be an ocean hero and take action to protect our seas.

It was a powerful reminder that whether you're a researcher or an 8-year-old explorer, everyone has a role in protecting the ocean.

Future Science Talks - Science Comedy

Perth Comedy Festival , April 2025

In April 2025, I participated in the Future Science Talk at the Perth Comedy Festival, a unique scientific stand-up comedy show that blends 80% science with 20% humour. During the event, I used humour as a tool to present my research on Marine Heatwaves off Western Australia, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging to the audience. The show provided a fun and creative way to communicate my PhD research to the public, demonstrating how humour can be an effective means of science communication. It was an exciting opportunity to combine my passion for oceanography with a lighter, more entertaining approach to sharing knowledge.

Marine Heatwaves off the Coast of Western Australia

WA Maritime Museum, April 2025

I had the opportunity to present my PhD research at the event titled “Is the Love for Our Oceans Enough?”, organized by Shane McGurk, Non-Executive Director of the Foundation of the WA Museum. This event provided a platform to showcase my work on oceanography and marine science, exploring the intersection of scientific research and public engagement. The discussion focused on the critical importance of understanding and protecting our oceans, emphasizing the role of scientific research in addressing environmental challenges. It was a privilege to share my findings with a wider audience, encouraging dialogue on the future of our oceans and the actions needed to ensure their sustainability.

A Marine Heatwave in northwest Australia is killing huge numbers of fish. It's heading south

The Conversation, Published: Jan 29, 2025

In January 2025, I published an article in The Conversation discussing the current marine heatwave (summer 2024/2025) off the northwest shelf of Western Australia. In the article, I compared the present event to the significant 2010/2011 marine heatwave, highlighting what we have learned since then, what gaps in knowledge remain, and the ecological impacts that are already being observed.

Following the publication, I was invited for a radio interview on 3CR’s Radio Blue program to further discuss the ongoing heatwave and its effects on marine ecosystems. Listen to the interview here.

I also had the chance to speak about the marine heatwave on the ABC WA Afternoons show. Listen here.

Inspiring more WA students to persue careers in STEM

The Innovators Tea Party, various events 2024-2025

I am actively involved with the Innovators’ Tea Party Inc., a Perth-based, volunteer-run charity dedicated to promoting gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The charity connects successful women scientists, engineers, and innovators with high school students to introduce them to a wide range of STEM fields and inspire future careers in these areas.

Through events like Speed Networking and Inspire in 5, I help school students explore the various pathways into STEM careers. These events focus on breaking down stereotypes, showcasing the diversity of STEM professions, and providing students with a clear understanding of how to pursue these fields. As part of this initiative, I contribute by sharing insights into my own career journey and encouraging students to discover the exciting opportunities that STEM offers. More info here.

Vitamin Sea: Mental Health Benefits of the Ocean

The Conversation, Published: Jan 29, 2025

As part of the Perth-based community groups 20peace and Meeting for Minds, I contributed to their 10th anniversary in October 2024 celebrations by creating a flyer titled Vitamin Sea: Mental Health Benefits of the Ocean. The flyer shows how ocean waves, ocean air, and ocean swimming can positively influence mental wellbeing. This project allowed me to combine my interest in marine science with raising awareness of the ocean’s broader benefits for health and wellbeing, helping to make scientific knowledge accessible to the community.

Visualise Your Thesis, 2024

I created a 1-minute video to compete in the Visualise Your Thesis competition at the University of Western Australia (UWA). This competition challenges PhD students to present their research in an engaging and visually appealing way, simplifying complex ideas for a broad audience.

My video, titled Characterisation of Marine Heatwaves off Western Australia, focused on distilling the key aspects of my research in oceanography and marine science. It aimed to communicate the significance of marine heatwaves, their impact on the marine ecosystem, and the relevance of my work in understanding these phenomena.

It was a rewarding experience to creatively present my research and contribute to the broader conversation on the importance of scientific communication.

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