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Celebrating Women in Science: The Journey of Holly, Wildlife Conservationist and WIRES Team Member

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Every year on 11th February, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 

This day champions gender equality in science and honours the achievements of female scientists leading the way.

One such inspiring woman is Holly, a research graduate whose passion for wildlife conservation drove her to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference. 

Pursuing Science: From Media to Wildlife Conservation 

Holly’s journey into science wasn’t straightforward. Originally studying media, Holly’s growing awareness of environmental challenges inspired her to change paths. “I became increasingly aware of the challenges our environment is facing—such as species extinctions, land clearing, coral bleaching, and devastating bushfires,” she recalls. “It was heartbreaking to witness, and I knew I didn’t just want to stand by and watch—I wanted to be part of the solution.” At 20, Holly made a life-changing decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology, despite having dropped science in Year 10. “Choosing science gave me a sense of purpose and a way to contribute to something bigger than myself,” she says.

Honours Thesis: Investigating the Impact of Bushfires on Wildlife 

Holly’s commitment to conservation deepened during her 2023 honours thesis, where she studied how fire severity and frequency affect vertebrate species in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. 

She investigated how fire frequency and severity—especially during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020—impacted wildlife populations. 

“We found that the severity of the bushfires and the historical frequency of fire in an area had a profound effect on the species that live there,” Holly explains. 

“The fires impact the kinds of animals found in a region, how many different types of animals are present, and how many of each species survive.” 

This research holds substantial value, as understanding the link between fire dynamics and wildlife populations allows conservationists to develop more effective strategies for habitat protection, species recovery, and fire management.

Time at WIRES: From Rescues to Programs 

For several years, Holly has been an integral part of WIRES. Working with a passionate team, Holly has gained hands-on experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife. 

“I’ve had the privilege of working across multiple WIRES teams,” she shares. “I started in the Rescue Office, where I answered calls from the public and coordinated rescues. I then joined the Emergency Response Team, where I drove a wildlife ambulance to rescue animals in distress.” 

“Most recently, I’ve worked in the Programs team, coordinating key initiatives like Food for Wildlife, Community Mange, and Water for Wildlife.” 

For Holly, working at WIRES has been a deeply fulfilling experience. “Every day, I’m surrounded by passionate, dedicated people who are doing everything they can to support our wildlife,” she says. “Being in an environment where everyone is working toward a shared goal is truly inspiring.” 

Insights on Women in Science: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future 

“Women and girls have a really important place in science,” Holly says, emphasising the need for diverse perspectives. “Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of scientific research and innovation. We bring an important perspective to all aspects of science that helps us approach problems in new and fresh ways.” 

Holly believes that fostering an inclusive environment is key to advancing scientific progress. “Women’s involvement in science helps bring about more effective problem-solving, ensures that findings are applicable to a wide range of people, and expands the boundaries of knowledge.” 

“If you’re a woman or girl wanting to pursue a career in science, I want you to remember that you belong there,” she encourages. “Speak up, fight for your ideas and perspectives to be heard, and find role models who inspire you.”