Celebrating Women in Science From Data to Delivery at Health Rivers to Reef
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to recognise not only the women working directly in scientific roles, but also those whose expertise supports and enables science to deliver real-world impact.
At Healthy Rivers to Reef, science is strengthened by an all-female team bringing together technical, communication, and leadership expertise. From data collection and analysis, to partnerships, funding, and community engagement – together, the team brings a mix of skills.
Here, they reflect on their roles and what makes their work meaningful.
Charlie Morgan
Chair
Working in science for me gives me strong connection to purpose. I have always had a strong drive to protect our irreplaceable natural systems, coupled with a fiery inquisitive brain! I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had across my career working to understand and conserve Australia’s iconic ecosystems, including as Chair of the Partnership. Happy International Women in Science Day to all!
Jaime Newborn
Executive Officer
As Executive Officer of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, it’s my Team’s role to help ensure good science doesn’t just sit on a shelf – it’s understood, valued, and used by our community. I’m passionate about helping people to connect with, and learn more, about the incredible environment we’re lucky to enough to be surrounded by in the Mackay–Whitsunday–Isaac region. Like many locals, my lifestyle is centred around our beaches, rivers and reefs, so supporting strong, locally driven science really matters to me.
I’m proud to support some of the only consistent, regionally specific water quality data collected and led locally, through on-ground monitoring and strong Partnerships. Equally important is helping spark curiosity in the next generation—through STEM programs, citizen science and creative initiatives. Seeing students, schools and community members engage with science in meaningful, creative ways is incredibly rewarding.
Brie Sherow
Lead Technical Officer
I love working in a diverse team of people who deeply care about improving the health of our waterways. Sometimes this is linked to restoration projects, but it can also take the form of research and exploration, education and advocacy, or other types of involvement. I take any opportunity to get out in the ecosystems that I’m working in. I loved playing in the mud when I was a kid, and thankfully I still get to do that out in the estuaries and seagrass meadows!
Ashlee DeVore
Project Officer
My passion for science is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding and critically engaging with the world around me, and to advancing more responsible stewardship of the planet we call home. Working in marine biology and wildlife conservation has allowed me to transform that commitment into action by protecting ecosystems and safeguarding wildlife species through thoughtful, evidence-based decision making.
This work not only matters because of the urgent environmental challenges we face, but because I am part of a legacy of powerful and influential women who have built space for future generations to play vital, recognized roles in STEM. From the trailblazers who paved the way before us to the generations who will look to us in inspiration, continuing this legacy is essential. Integrating women into science strengthens every field, as women bring perspectives rooted in care, collaboration, and innovative thinking that are critically needed to create lasting environmental solutions.
Rebekah Smith
Communications Officer
A big part of my role is turning complex scientific information into clear, engaging messages. The hardest part is judging how much detail someone needs and sometimes less is more. I enjoy tailoring the approach for different audiences, and it’s rewarding when my work helps someone understand a concept more clearly or engage with it in a meaningful way.
