Women in science making their mark caring for land, water and nature
If you asked Susan Stovell what field she worked in, she’d say government, natural resources or planning but this work puts her at the forefront of seeing how science-related disciplines can achieve positive outcomes for the environment.
For the past 10 years, she has been managing natural resources and biodiversity projects across the Eyre Peninsula. She is now Manager of Planning and Business Support.
Susan oversees a team of women who manage, support and promote local natural resources projects including two of the women who feature in this article, Ananda Santos and Michelle Clanahan.
‘I consider myself privileged to work for an organisation that is committed to safeguarding our region’s most precious natural and productive environments,’ said Susan.
‘Along with my colleagues across the state, we share a passionate desire to protect and nurture the diverse landscapes that define our regions - landscapes that are not only beautiful and unique, but also inherently productive.
‘We are dedicated to seeing our local landscapes flourish for generations to come and believe that our shared passion can inspire positive action, leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship and resilience.
To mark the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re sharing stories of women thriving in science roles in landscape boards across South Australia.
Andrea Tschirner, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator,
SA Arid Lands Landscape Board
Andrea Tschirner’s journey with science began after completing studies at the University of Adelaide and moving to work in the Northern Territory to research fire and pasture ecology in the far northwest.
Her love of rangeland ecology has been nurtured in the many roles she has undertaken across remote landscapes across Australia. Andrea has been fortunate to work across many scientific disciplines including undertaking plant and animal surveys, ethnobotanical projects, livestock behaviour trials and weed control research.
Andrea considers herself an agroecologist; a scientific discipline that applies ecological knowledge to support food production systems.
Her experience in rangelands ecology, particularly in native pasture and grazing systems in low rainfall environments, enables her to work in an extension role with pastoral businesses and land managers across the SA Arid Lands region.
As a mum to two daughters, Andrea has been fortunate to work alongside her husband and children on many field trips and research projects, supporting and nurturing the next generation of women in science.
Claire Hartvigsen-Power, Ecologist,
Northern and Yorke Landscape Board
Growing up, ecologist Claire Hartvigsen-Power didn’t think science interested her until she discovered she could make a career out of her passion for the environment.
Most of Claire’s childhood was spent outdoors and her environmentally conscious parents helped her to foster a deep respect for nature. She went on to study a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Conservation Biology) and completed an Honours degree in Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Adelaide.
Claire now works as the project ecologist for the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board’s Marna Banggara project. It’s an ambitious rewilding project that aims to reintroduce locally extinct wildlife to southern Yorke Peninsula and rejuvenate the landscape.
Claire counts her involvement in the return of yalgiri (brush-tailed bettongs) to Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park during the past few years as one of her career highlights.
‘Seeing the yalgiri settle into their new home is so rewarding, and really makes all the hard work worth it,’ said Claire.
Another career-defining moment was working with Anangu Rangers in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands to research a rediscovered and undescribed species of frog.
There are many aspects of her work that Claire loves. Getting to work outside in some of the most spectacular natural landscapes is always a joy and a highlight, as is her work with First Nations people.
‘Working together on Country with First Nations peoples to protect and conserve threatened species, and being present for the continuation of cultural practices and values is such a privilege. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this,’ said Claire.
‘And at the end of the day, doing this work makes me hopeful that I can make a tiny positive impact on the world.’
Ananda Santos, Team Manager of Planning and Engagement,
Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board
An oceanographer with honours in marine pollution and Master of Science in Aquaculture, Ananda Santos joined the EP Landscape Board late last year after working in the aquaculture industry in Australia, and as a scientist in Brazil.
In Brazil, she worked with the government in bioremediation projects, a variety of research laboratories, as well with beach monitoring, seabirds and sharks’ population, and even as a taxidermist for a university research museum.
She mainly worked with research and development in Brazil before migrating to Australia in early 2018.
‘When I started my professional career in Australia, it was challenging to have a scientific background and prove that I could transfer these skills into the industrial workforce. I had to learn how to change my mindset, especially associated with targets and technical communication - and that was challenging,’ said Ananda.
‘Ultimately, I realised that this ended up shaping me with an unusual skillset, where I developed the ability to communicate with different audiences, from researchers, to executives, investors and students.
‘Being a woman in the STEM workforce also brings its inherent challenges, and equality – not easier rules, but a fair chance - is a subject that still needs to be raised and discussed.
Michelle Clanahan, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Officer, Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board
Michelle, an engineer with honours in marine biology, is kept busy overseeing citizen science programs, GIS mapping including for pest plant and animal control programs, and monitoring outcomes achieved under the regional landscape plan.
Michelle strongly believes that our natural resources, wild places and wildlife are not just for us but for all future generations.
“I believe very strongly that our natural resources, wild places and wildlife are not just for us but for all future generations,’ said Michelle.
‘Wanting to become more actively involved in caring for country, I went back to university at the age of 44 to study marine biology, after working as a water and environmental engineer for more than 20 years.
‘I am lucky to work for the EP Landscape Board. Working with wonderful like-minded people, the biggest reward of the job is knowing that in some small way I am contributing to protecting this piece of paradise for those who will follow us.’
Amy Rice, Wetland Project Officer (Lower Murray),
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
At the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, they believe that science needs more passionate, driven women—and Amy is a perfect example of why.
Starting her studies in marine biology at the height of the pandemic, fieldwork opportunities were scarce. Determined to gain hands-on experience, she pursued an Honours degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, diving into how habitat type and marine protection status alter the behaviour of range-extending tropical fish in temperate ecosystems (how cool is this!). Her fieldwork took her along Australia’s stunning eastern coastline, where she explored diverse marine landscapes.
In June 2024, she joined the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board as a casual employee in the citizen science team, getting hands-on with projects like frog monitoring, Soil Your Undies, National Science Week events and much more. Her experience showed her the power of community-driven science in conservation.
Amy also learned about the work of the wetlands team, getting involved in bird and fish surveys, surface water surveys, and threatened species projects. She found herself exactly where she wanted to be- out in the field, making a real impact.
Now, as a proud member of the wetlands team, Amy is excited to continue honing her freshwater ecology skills while working with the local community to protect these vital ecosystems.
More information
Learn more about the opportunities to work with landscape boards by following Landscape Boards of SA on LinkedIn or setting up notifications on the I Work for SA website.
