The ocean is calling

Growing up near a lush marine ecosystem inspired Ella Sinclair to pursue the science behind it all.

Fiji is renowned for its beautiful ocean waters and marine life. It’s also where Ella grew up with her family and hydrogeologist dad who, for as long as she can remember, worked to help locate bore water on remote shallow islands. So it’s no surprise Ella has had her eye on a future in marine and environmental science from a young age.

“My ultimate job is to work in an industry or academic field that uses marine science research to give back to communities that are heavily impacted by climate change,” she says.

With a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) under her belt and her Honours in Earth and Environmental Systems underway at QUT, she’s on the right track. During her time at QUT, Ella has been the recipient of not one, but two scholarships, having been awarded the VRES Scholarship as an undergrad and joining a 30-day cruise around the Great Barrier Reef aboard research vessel Falkor.

Then, in her final year, Ella nabbed one of only 150 spots as part of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship, where she’ll head off to New Caledonia for six months to complete an industry internship. Ella says the opportunities she’s been exposed to through QUT have helped kickstart her career in marine science. Working in the Pacific is a big plus, she says, noting Australia’s geographical advantage when it comes to future research projects.

Ella is passionate about protecting the future and believes the job opportunities are out there for others wanting to bring change. “I believe this career is becoming more in-demand now with climate change being such a large focus around the world,” she says.

“Earth and environmental sciences are vital in creating a sustainable future. Industries that have the potential to influence the environment need to have an environmental or Earth scientist on their team to monitor impact and be an advocate for environmental rights,” says Ella.

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This article first appeared in the Earth + Environmental Scientists Job Kit published by Careers with STEM in June 2022.