From Africa to Antarctica
For someone so young, Claire Hindle is developing a CV that most seasoned scientists would be proud of.
From a passion for the environment that developed in the national parks in and around Canberra, Claire will next year have the opportunity to undertake a once in a lifetime expedition to Antarctica with more than 70 of the world's best female scientists.
Along the way Claire has also travelled twice to South Africa's national parks to volunteer and conduct research, and is currently making her own mark on our local area in her role with the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Turning a passion into a career
Like so many students fresh out of year 12, Claire applied for University courses without any clear idea of what degree to start, or what career path she wanted to take.
"I'm not sure if I knew what I wanted to do. I actually started a teaching degree!" Claire explained laughing.
After only a semester Claire realised that teaching wasn't for her and decided instead to follow her passion and transfer into a Bachelor of Environmental Science. As someone who spent a lot of spare time in the outdoors, Claire developed an interest in the environment and conservation.
"I was always really interested in it [environmental science] but it was something I always did on the side. I did things like volunteering but never really thought about it being a career."
It was during her degree when Claire was able to take two life changing trips to national parks in South Africa that she realised that her future lay in environmental science.
"I went for a volunteering holiday at Kruger National Park in South Africa. When I got back I spoke to my course convener and asked if I could make something like that part of my degree. So we created a practical program so I could go to South Africa again and do research.
I was looking at African wild dogs and their movements and pack behaviour. But it was mostly about working with the scientists there who were doing their own research and helping them out and learning about what they were doing.
Working in the national parks and seeing the differences between here and there, I found it really interesting the way that they managed their natural resources. I thought, 'this is something I really want to do'."
After graduation Claire undertook internships with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority, where she was then offered a job. For Claire it is easy to highlight her favourite part of being on the front line of protecting the environment.
"Feeling like you're getting environmental outcomes, that's the most rewarding thing I think. That's what motivates you, knowing what you're doing is making a difference."
Homeward Bound
After getting the chance to work as a researcher/writer for National Parks Conservation Association in Washington D.C. in 2013, in 2015 Claire was successful in gaining a place on another once in a lifetime opportunity, an expedition to Antarctica.
Made up of 78 of the best and brightest female scientists from around the world, the Homeward Bound program is a three week expedition to Antarctica in December 2016.
The program aims to elevate the role of women in leadership globally, demonstrate how polar science can reveal what is happening to our planet due to climate change, and explore how women in leadership can deliver a more sustainable future. Participants will be tracked by the University of Tasmania for two years after the practical part of the program is complete to see how the experience has affected their careers, while the journey will also be captured by documentary filmmakers.
For Claire the most valuable part of the program will be the opportunity to meet and collaborate with scientists from a range of different disciplines from around the world. She hopes that in the future these contacts will open doors for exciting opportunities.
"There are so many jobs out there in science! But the more I think about the issues surrounding climate change the more I'm interested in that side of things. What are we going to do to conserve the environment for the future?"
Inspiring the next generation of female scientists
Claire has some simple advice for any aspiring scientist, simply get out there and discover your passion. From volunteering in National Parks to helping plant trees and joining wildlife conservation programs, there are many areas of environmental science everyone can explore.
"Volunteering provides a great opportunity to figure out what might interest you, so just try some things out. The best way to figure out where your interests lie is to experience it for yourself."
Volunteering not only helps you to discover your own passion, but also can be the difference between landing your dream job on graduation.
"Try to do some volunteering or an internship, that's how I got my job. When you're going through the job application process any additional experience helps, for example 'I volunteered here' or 'I was involved in this project'. It makes all the difference."
Claire is currently crowd funding for her Homeward Bound trip to Antarctica. As part of the program all participants are required to raise $15,000 to help pay for the program costs. If you would like to help support Claire on her once in a lifetime journey you can donate at her Chuffed crowdfunding page, or visit her Facebook page.
Words by Daniel Murphy, additional image Christopher Michel, Flickr, 2005.