Celebrating women and girls in science

Diversity in research expands the pool of talented researchers, bringing in fresh perspectives, talent and creativity. This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.

To mark the occasion, this year we want to recognise the work of some of our colleagues that work within the Environmental Water team at the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).

They have kindly shared with us some insights into how they got into science, what they do at the department and what would they say to other women interested in pursuing a career in science.

Find out more about International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025.

Jana Kromkamp, Senior Project Officer, Sustaining Riverland Environments

My love of science comes from wanting to explore and understand the natural world. As a kid I always enjoyed spending time near the end of the River Murray in Goolwa and was aware of the environmental impact of humans in the area. During my Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation I studied the ecology of lizards and gained an appreciation of how nature works together to ensure healthy ecosystems. At DEW I contribute with evidence-based information to inform decision making in environmental water projects. My advice to others pursuing careers in environmental science is to seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience such as volunteer work, internships or field research, and to remember that environmental science is a broad field so to ask lots of questions to find the area that you are most passionate about.

Eva Scheuerlein, A/Manager, Integrated Operations

I always knew that I wanted to help even the scales for the environment and the animals (including people) that rely on it. While it took some time to find my way to environmental science (graduating at 28) I am so glad that I did. I love working as an environmental scientist as it has opened so many avenues to pursue this goal, continue learning and being challenged, and all while working with an incredible bunch of likeminded people along the way. At DEW I currently work as the A/Manager Integrated Operations in the Environmental Water team in which I help coordinate the planning and delivery of multiple environmental water actions for the River Murray in South Australia, engaging with stakeholders, using best available data, advice and modelling to understand the impacts of undertaking multiple watering actions at once. My advice for others wanting to pursue a career in environmental science, regardless of your age, is to go for it! It’s a really broad degree which is very much indicative of the variety of fields and opportunities it can lead to.

Sam Walters, Pike Floodplain Ecologist

Growing up along the River Murray, I have always had an affinity for its wetlands and wildlife. Volunteering for local rehabilitation and revegetation groups, I developed a passion for restoring the natural environment. Going on to study freshwater ecology at university, I was fortunate to secure a role that helped me to expand my knowledge and passion for wetland and floodplain vegetation, along with the critters that occupy these areas. As the ecologist for the Pike Floodplain, I get to bring my experience and collaborate with a team of ecologists and stakeholders, who are also passionate in improving these systems. Undertaking surveys of key attributes including vegetation, frogs and fish, at varying stages of channel, wetland and floodplain inundation (including dry), provides information that helps to guide decision-making processes for water managers in the SA River Murray and the overall Murray-Darling Basin. This role also provides the opportunity for me to continue to develop my photography skills, capturing wildlife shots to share within the department, with stakeholders and the wider community. If interested in a career in the environmental field, volunteering for differing groups in the multitude of avenues available is a great way to find and pursue your passion.

Casey O’Brien, Weir Pool Project Officer

I work as the Weir Pool Project Officer at DEW where I develop and implement ecological monitoring to understand the impacts of weir pool manipulation on the environment and inform decision-making to support improvements in the health and biodiversity of the river. I was always interested in working with animals from a young age and initially wanted to be a vet. I had no idea a career in ecology was a possibility until I started considering university degrees. I very nearly became a marine biologist due to my love of being in water, but made a last-minute change to my degree selection so I could study both terrestrial and aquatic systems and I’m so glad I did because I fell in love with arid and semi-arid environments. I went on to do a PhD studying southern hairy-nosed wombats in the Murraylands and have been involved in a wide range of other projects before getting my current job with DEW where I get to experience and monitor the impacts of water on a semi-arid environment. Pursuing a career in environmental science comes with challenges; find yourself a supportive peer network, it will make all the difference.

Maiko Lutz, Project Officer, Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth

I was always drawn to the study of science, even as a child. When I was 12, I read a science magazine about deep sea fish – it was amazing! It made me fall in love with the ocean and put me on the career path that I’m still treading today. I enjoy learning more about the environment and the different species around us and doing what I can to help ensure their future. To others who are interested in pursuing a career in environmental science I would say: be open to meeting new people. Having a strong network can be really helpful in achieving your goals.

Michelle Denny, Senior Floodplain Officer

In my early studies I gravitated towards science through curiosity and enjoyed learning methods to investigate how things work. I now love working in and for the natural environment, and value working in a field that is based in evidence.