CSIR♀: Why we love what we do…

Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, here’s our visual contribution to your day- an album showcasing just a small fraction of all the lovely ladies in our organisation. We asked them why they love what they do…

: Leanne Bischof * Image Analyst, Mathematics Informatics & Statistics * I write software to extract information from images. I love it because I get to work on a fascinating variety of applications – anything from diagnosing melanoma, to screening for toxic effects of new pharmaceuticals to grading opals.

: Prof Louise Ryan * Chief, Mathematics Informatics & Statistics * I manage a division of just under 200 mathematical scientists. I spend my days advocating for them and seeking out opportunties so they can thrive and do great science for Australia! I love my job because I get to brainstorm with lots of smart people every day!

: Anita Hill * Business Unit Leader, Processing Science * They say if you can find a job that satisfies your personal and professional passions, you’ve struck gold. I’ve been here for over a decade and never tire of the challenges of working in science and research. It’s a long way from home (USA), but seeing our influence and research stretch to countries far beyond Australia is something I enjoy most.

: Cathy Foley * Business Unit Leader, Materials Science * The opportunity to influence and contribute to future science each day is what gets me up in the morning. Working here is quite unique. I have the opportunity to get my hands dirty in the lab and have a seat in the boardroom. It’s exciting!

: Deborah Lau * Research Program Leader, Materials Science & Engineering * Science is an exciting exploration of both who we are and the nature of the vastly diverse matter and energy that surrounds us. It’s extraordinarily satisfying to be a part of research that is able to answer some of the big questions, and ask even more.

: Liz Yuncken * Europe & India Advisor * I find out about all the cool research that we’re doing, then tell the world about it. Plus I learn about all the science policy and research going on in the rest of the world and share that within CSIRO. It’s always interesting, and I get to meet some fascinating people.

: Anna Johnston * IP Manager * I love my work because it is multidisciplinary- I get to learn a new science at least once a month, I get to tackle legal or patent issues, I get to communicate to all of staff and educate my peers, I get to do some analytical work of my own (some finances, some statistics), and I get to talk, discuss argue/debate and laugh with a great bunch of people of all ages. What more could one want?

: Megan Fisher * Executive Manager, Intellectual Property & Licensing * I love that I work across a wide range of science areas, with great people from science and business and that I have the opportunity to explore and implement new ideas.

: Dr Emma Huang * Statistical Geneticist, Mathematics Informatics & Statistics * I search through thousands of genes for the few which affect yield and disease resistance in wheat. I love my job because I get to answer meaningful biological questions just by looking at millions of ones and zeroes.

: Dr Christine O’Keefe * Privacy & confidentiality researcher * Mathematics Informatics & Statistics * I help protect people’s privacy when data like health or census data are used for research. I love it because it’s a win-win … Information from data as well as personal privacy!

: Susan Burchill * South QLD Manager, Education * I love what I do because every day is different from the previous one. I get to work with amazing colleagues who inspire me to inspire students and teachers.

: Sarah Miller * CSP Science Development * I love the challenge of solving problems and making things happen as well as working with like-minded people. It’s essential to ensure we use the world’s remaining fossil energy reserves to create and transition to a renewable energy future and sustainable lifestyle, making the present a critical transition period for humanity.

: Sally Seeto * Executive Assistant to Group Executive, Food Health & Life Sciences * I love that every day is different which keeps it interesting. I also feel like I’m part of a great team that is contributing positively to lifestyle areas I am interested in, like food and health.

: Megan Clark * Chief Executive * Everyday I am involved in helping our great science and scientists make a profound impact on the big questions for Australia and humanity. It’s both fascinating and worthwhile.

: Carol Saab *Communication Project Manager* I love it because it’s varied and exciting. Because I’m proud of the work we do at the CSIRO.

: Wendy Minato * PhD Student, Land and Water * I have loved being a full-time PhD student, able to devote all of my time to research in a subject area (NRM and social psychology) that I find fascinating. I love the challenge of academic writing and I look forward to transforming what I know into practical outcomes for improved NRM policy and implementation.

: Vivian Boyce * Senior HR Advisor * I love what I do because I can go home knowing that I have made someone’s day easier.

: Toni Moate * Deputy Chief Science Operations & Executive Director Future Research Vessel Project * Almost every day something crosses my desk that nudges me out of my comfort zone. I love the different people that I get to know– I’m always amazed at how bright they are, and yet so friendly and unassuming. I love the challenges that CSIRO trusts me to meet, and that allow me to grow as a person.

: Tara Konarzewski * Phd Student, Plant Industy * My project is looking at how the invasive species Paterson’s curse is able to successfully invade so many habitats across Australia. It is amazing to work on a species with so many adaptations. I find myself discovering something new every week.

: Tania Ritchie * Solar scientist * I not only get to work in a field I’m interested in, like solar energy, I get to tell others about it via the blog – csirosolarblog.com.

: Sussan Au * Journal Production Editor, Publishing * Working on scientific journals combines my love of disseminating science and the publishing process. Outside of work, I enjoy participating in Everyday Hero fundraising events to support various charities.

: Susan Blackburn * Head Australian National Algae Culture Collection * I’m passionate about microalgae! I love investigating the ecological roles and the sustainable applications of microalgae: both critical for the health of our planet. I love leading a team of enthusiastic scientists and working across the breadth and expertise of CSIRO on multidisciplinary projects.

: Silvia Marchesan * Postdoctoral researcher in self-assembly * Because you set your own limits and you can challenge them every day in a different way, to explore the unknown and create something useful.

: Sheridan Mayo * Research scientist, X-ray micro-tomography & X-ray phase-contrast microscopy * I get a kick out of solving tricky technical challenges in my work, and I really enjoy the opportunities I have to work at major scientific facilities like synchrotrons in Australia and overseas.

: Sharon Hook * Senior Ecotoxicologist * I love the problem solving aspect of the job – the “puzzle” nature of data analysis appeals to my analytical side!

: Shari Breen * Bolton Postdoctoral Fellow, Astronomy & Space Science * I use world-class radio telescopes to unlock the secrets behind the formation of elusive large stars, which are born hidden within dense clouds of gas and dust. After that I get to travel the world to tell people about it – what’s not to love!

: Sarah Reeves * PhD student, CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science/University of Sydney * I study galaxy evolution, and I love learning how the universe works. My favourite part of the job is observing – sitting at the controls of an entire telescope is amazing.

: Sarah Pearce * Deputy Chief, Astronomy & Space Science * Australia has an amazing history of radio astronomy, and I love being part of that. We’re also building a new world-leading telescope (ASKAP) with 36 dishes in remote Western Australia.

: Sarah King * Leader, Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative, Future Manufacturing * I work in a truly innovative environment with great people. We work on nationally relevant issues, underpinned by great science and I work on incubating new projects in the area of sustainable manufacturing.

: Sarah Bolt * Graduate Fellow, Data Analyst, Mathematics Informatics & Statistics * I love that we can take data, which is just bits and useless on its own, and abstract from it valuable information that might do anything from increasing production in manufacturing to helping us understand disease processes.

: Sandra Arico * Market & Business Analyst, Business Development & International * Because I get to work on some of Australia and the world’s biggest and most interesting challenges, because what I do each day has a positive impact on these challenges and actually makes a difference, and because my colleagues are among the most intelligent and inspirational people I’ve ever met!

: Oona Nielssen * Communication Manager * It’s the fascinating science and it’s the positive impact that is made to everybody’s lives by that science.

: Nicola Scarlett * X-ray diffraction specialist * I love unravelling structural puzzles with X-ray diffraction and playing electric and double bass.

: Naomi McClure-Griffiths (I’m on the left!) * Deputy Astrophysics Group Leader, Astronomy & Space Science * I was once told that being an Astronomer is a lot like being one of the early world explorers – you’re always on a voyage of discovery. This is completely true of my work, which maps the hydrogen gas in our own Galaxy, the Milky Way. Every time I look at the sky I find something new. It’s a pretty fun way to spend my days and nights!

: Michelle Storey * SKA Executive Officer, Astronomy & Space Science * I love the challenge of interpreting science and technology requirements into requirements that can be assessed as policy, and being part of the process of providing informed advice on policy. Working with diverse stakeholders it is really rewarding to be able to assist in identifying outcomes that satisfy everyone’s requirements.

: Michelle Groarke * Chemist * Mixing chemicals to make new materials for blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) for lighting and displays. It’s better than cooking as I don’t have to taste what I make!

: Melissa Dobbie * Statistician * I love my job because I get to collaborate on and help solve some very interesting, important and challenging problems to help us understand and manage our aquatic resources better.

: Megan LeFournour * Technical Officer, Land & Water * I have greatly enjoyed putting my tomboy childhood and logical thinking to good use. In my 19 years here I’ve had ample opportunity doing cool stuff and trouble shooting problems for both field and laboratory activities.

: Meg Moate * Enterprise Pipeline Advisor, Development * I am proud to play a role in such a dynamic and valuable institution. I feel that by working here I am helping to make a positive difference both internally (supporting colleagues) and externally (environmental, social or economic impact). I am proud to announce I work for CSIRO and enjoy talking about what we do.

: Lydia Lopes * Client and Market Advisor, Corporate Development * I love what I do because I am proud to be surrounded by incredibly talented people and be a part of truly amazing science. Outside of work, I am obsessed with Crossfit where I run, jump, swing and lift heavy stuff

: Louise Fisher * Geochemist & Mineral Geochemistry Team Leader * I get to work with great people, travel to interesting places and spend a lot of time looking at gold and thinking about how mineral deposits form.

: Lou Morrissey * Group Communication Manager, Information Sciences * Every day I get to learn about our mind-boggling space, maths and ICT science and how it’s being used to improve people’s lives. I then have the freedom to find creative ways to share these stories with the world… it’s my dream job, really.

: Lisa Harvey-Smith * Research Astronomer, SKA Project Scientist * I get to see the most beautiful places in the universe with the biggest telescopes on earth! When I get a spare minute to myself, I like to run ultra-marathons. I enjoy timed challenges on road and track (12hr, 24hr races) but you can’t beat the excitement of running the mountains at night by torchlight!

: Linda Stalker * Director of Science for the National Geosequestration Laboratory * Who says I love it?

: Linda Karssies * Archivist, National Soil Archive * I work part-time as an archivist of soil samples within our Land and Water Division, and part-time as a mother. I love both roles. My archivist’s role has a detective element. As an archivist I am building an invaluable resource for further soil research.

: Linda Colla * Group Human Resources Manager * As a HR Manager, what I really love about working here is the wonderful opportunity to work closely with business leaders and our staff in such a fascinating, complex business environment! I have incredible breadth, variety and challenge in my work and there is a real opportunity to make a difference. As a working parent, the flexible work environment is also something that I truly value!

: Yunxia Yang * Research Scientist * I love what I do because it gives me a feeling that I can be creative and that I am achieving something by handling challenges, finding solutions for problems and publishing work.

: Kate Brooks * ASKAP Executive Officer & Research Astronomer * I love that my job is a bag of all sorts and is never boring. I get to work with fantastic people, learn new skills, travel to amazing places and tackle tricky scientific and social challenges. As a mother of three young children, I often come to work for a rest!

: Josephine Chong * PhD student * It’s a good feeling to be working on an area that hasn’t been explored before. Also it’s nice to know that research you perform now will make a difference later on.

: Joanna Parr * Stream Leader, Wealth From Oceans * It’s a chance to be involved in a whole range of science projects that can have a real impact to how we live in Australia. I also get to be involved in some amazing cutting edge science, including exploring the seafloor. I love working with teams that include a wide range of scientists, from social scientists, physicists to ecologists.

: Jo Watkins * Education, Earth Science Western Australia * I love what I do because I get to help schools, teachers and students all over the state with the most interesting subject of all – Earth and Environmental Science (I might be biased!). I am also always humbled by how helpful the Geoscience community is and the great support we receive. Did I also mention the travelling and being there when a student has a ‘that’s what I want to do’ moment!?!

: Jenny O’Connell * Research Scientist, OLED Device Fabrication * I enjoy working as part of a team all focussed on the same goal, making very small very complex structures with a lot of variables and challenges. I love making minor changes each time I make a new set of devices and looking for improvements when I measure their performance. Each time I am hoping that this will be the one elusive clue to solve the puzzle.

: Jacqui Cook * Project Officer, SESKA Geothermal Project * I love that I’m helping to find renewable energy solutions for the future Australia.

: Helga Denes * PhD student, CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science/Swinburne University of Technology * Uncovering the secrets of the stars and galaxies is much like a quest for hidden treasure. Although it usually does not involve creeping through a jungle, but climbing a telescope is almost as exciting!

: Dr Hayley Norman * Research Scientist, Livestock Industries * I love being a scientist because there’s rarely a dull moment – last week I was in Jordan talking about feeding systems for sheep, this week I am preparing for a conference in Amsterdam and next week I’ll be showing farmers outside Perth some new plants for salt-affected land.’

: Felicity Henning * Administration Support & Personal Assistant, Manufacturing, Materials & Minerals * One of the best aspects of my job is the variety. As I assist around 50 people, everyday is different. I look forward to researching and booking travel for staff as I get to learn more about the world. But what I enjoy the most is organising workshops, conferences and symposiums.

: Evette Steele * Researcher, Sustainable Biofuels * My work is my passion. I look forward to my day-to-day tasks, am endlessly fascinated by the science behind it all, and fortunate enough to be able to apply my research in the field I love – sustainable biofuels. What can I say? I love my job!

: Dr Natalie Kelly * Ecological Statistician, Mathematics, Informatics & Statistics * In my job, I get to travel to Antarctica to study whale populations in and around the sea ice zone. Our research is delivered directly to the International Whaling Commission, and has a high impact in terms of management decisions. I have the best job in the world!

: Dr Karen Kozielski * Stream Leader, Oil and Gas Production * I love my job because I get to work with a wide variety of interesting people who are truly passionate about what they do and who want to make a difference to the people and world around them. No two days are ever alike – there are always new people to meet, new ideas to share and new possibilities to discuss.

: Dr Fiona Scholes * Research scientist, Flexible Electronics * I get to work with people who, like me, are passionate about doing great science and communicating our science to the broader community

: Dr Angelica Vecchio-Sadus * Health Safety & Environment Leader * I can see the impact from sharing my knowledge and skills to help staff work safely. In my non-work environment I like to travel, and I’ve particularly taken a shine to cruising.

: Denise Hardesty * Research Scientist, Ecosystem Sciences * I get to do great science with fantastic people and address interesting, diverse research questions that are timely and relevant.

: Delphine Cantin * Metallurgist, Titanium Technologies * I enjoy solving the problems that I come across as a metallurgist. I get to work in the lab but also do in-depth characterisations, so my work has variety as well as challenge.

: Debbie Lewis * Contract Manager * I love being a Contract Manager because it is a varied role and you get to work with both the corporate and the scientific side of the organisation

: Cindy Ong * Research Group Leader, Senior Research Scientist * The thrill of new discoveries and the excitement of being involved in new adventures. The ability to make a difference.

: Charlotte Stalvies * Research Projects Officer, Hydrocarbon Sensors Team * I love having the chance to travel within Australia and overseas, to places I didn’t expect to visit carrying out work I never thought I would be involved in. My work at sea has brought me into contact with a great many highly interesting people from diverse backgrounds, and has enabled me to live “a life less ordinary”.

: Carole Jackson * Research astronomer & ‘dish manager’, Astronomy & Space Science * I consider it a privilege to work in a specialised field where the challenges are so varied; I’m regularly asked about my ‘every-day job’ outside of the work place and find public interest is an amazing motivator too.

: Bronwyn Harch * Deputy Director, Sustainable Agriculture * I have been privileged to be here for 16 years, starting as a postdoc and moving through different technical leadership positions and into strategic leadership roles. The people in CSIRO are the real draw card– world leading expertise, breadth of disciplines, vibrancy of young people with new ideas and opportunities to engage in the global research arena on issues that benefit Australia and our ability to be global citizens.

: Baerbel Koribalski * Senior Research Scientist, Astronomy & Space Science * Using radio telescopes I study the formation of galaxies and their dark matter content. I love collecting radio waves with the world’s best telescopes, including the 64-m Parkes Dish and the Australia Telescope Compact Array.

: Allison Hortle * Research Scientist, Earth Science & Resource Engineering * I do something that matters, I work with interesting people from all over the world, I have a lot of fun.

: Alix Waters * HR Administrator, Process Science & Engineering * My role has lots of variety which means I get to work with a huge range of very talented people throughout CSIRO. I enjoy being able to work on and contribute to a number of different areas and projects which support our staff in achieving great science!

: Alex Kingsbury * Chemical Engineer, Process Development & Evaluation Group * Working here makes me feel like I’m giving something back, and I get to work with intelligent people on new and exciting projects.