Local marine scientist finalist in SA Science Awards

Dr Shelley is a finalist in the ‘Unsung Hero of SA - Science Communication’ category and is grateful for her nomination.

“I am grateful to be recognised, however, I don’t do this work for the recognition. It’s wonderful to see how this work is contributing to our communities understanding, and in turn advocacy, of the marine environment.”

“I’m very passionate about connecting people with our amazing marine environment and fortunate that my job allows me to do this.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have to date without the great support of my family and of course many of my co-workers, so I see this nomination is equally reflective of them and their substantial efforts.

“Personally I believe that people can make the biggest difference when they move from a mindset of what ‘should’ happen to actively doing it and pursuing it, dream big and follow through with your passions, that’s the way I try to live my life.”

Shelley’s local science communication work includes National Science Week and SeaWeek events on the Eyre Peninsula, where she brings together the community for fun outdoor coast and marine bioblitz activities, guided snorkel tours and rolling out indoor pop-up Marine Discovery Centres at local libraries.

Shelley has worked alongside the Barngarla Aboriginal people, tourism and fishing industry sectors, aquatics and STEM students and their teachers over the last eleven years which has allowed her to build an inclusive Marine Park Connections Project.

Department for Environment and Water Marine Parks Manager Mr Chris Thomas said he was proud of Shelley’s dedication to educational and on-ground (or in this case “in-water”) activities in her local community. Chris has witnessed the benefits of Shelley’s work first-hand.

“One of our recent graduate rangers on the Eyre Peninsula told me she was inspired to study marine biology after Shelley gave a talk at her school. We are starting to see intergenerational benefits” Chris said.

The SA Science Awards are the state’s most prestigious science awards that honour the brightest scientists, researchers and teachers.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday, 10 August 2018 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

For more information visit the website.