Women in Wildlife

• Sea turtle movement ecology and ecotoxicology research with Dr Liberty Boyd

  For our October episode we were joined by the delightful Dr Liberty Boyd. Liberty is a marine biologist, science communicator, and educator. With a PhD in marine biology, her work bridges academic research, wildlife conservation, and storytelling to drive meaningful change for coastal ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Dr. Boyd currently runs the social media page Libertyology — a platform dedicated to ocean advocacy, youth empowerment, and innovative marine conservation. As a current postdoctoral researcher at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch, she is working on a sea turtle ecotoxicology study related to loggerhead exposure to harmful algal bloom biotoxins in the Indian River Lagoon. Dr. Boyd also works closely with a non-profit organization, the National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation, as an affiliate researcher, conducting hawksbill sea turtle research in South Florida. Between research, teaching, and science communications, her efforts aim to make the marine science fields more inclusive, creative, and impactful.In this episode we delved into all things sea turtle research- from sea turtle movement ecology to ecotoxicology. We spoke about the importance of being a responsible tourist, and some of the red flags to look out for in 'eco-tourism'. Liberty shared her passion of science communication, and the importance of scientists being able to communicate their work to the public. Liberty was such a pleasure to have on the podcast, you can continute following her work on her Instagram channel @libertyologyAny questions or queries contact [email protected] to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

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• The critical importance of indigenous voices in conservation with Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza

  For our September episode, we were beyond thrilled to have Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza as our podcast guest. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist whose work bridges indigenous knowledge and modern science to protect the Amazon rainforest and its communities Rosa was awarded Peru’s Order of Merit (2025)—the country’s highest state recognition for environmental protection. She has also been named one of the BBC’s 100 Women (2024), received the American Chemical Society CAS Leadership Award, and was recognized as one of "50 People Changing the World" and a recipient of the “New Explorer Award” (The Explorers Club).In this chat we learnt about Rosa's journey in becoming a chemical biologist, from discovering her passion for the environment, to becoming a global advocate for our natural world. Much of Rosa's work now focuses on bridging indigenous knowledge and modern science, and we delved deeply into this topic, and were left with advice the changes that need to be made at all levels of conservation to bring indigenous people into conservation conversations and action. We also heard about Rosa's incredible research organisation "Amazon Research Internacional”, and the important work that it covers. Finally, we hear about Rosa's impressive book, "The Spirit of the Rainforest". We were only really able to scratch the surface of Rosa and her exceptional career in this episode, so I don't think this will be the last you will be seeing of her on the WIW podcast!You can follow Rosa on instagram: @rosavespinozaAny questions or queries contact [email protected] to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

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• Drivers of shark phobia and the consequences on conservation with environmental psychology scientist Dr Brianna Le Busque

  For our August episode we were joined by environmental psychology scientist Dr Brianna Le Busque. Bri is the program director of environmental sciences at The University of South Australia, along with being science and technology Australia Superstar of STEM. Her research focuses on biophilia (connections to nature) and biophobia (fear/dislike of nature), especially in the marine context. Her main area of research is understanding fear of sharks- including children’s fear, the media representations of sharks and tourism experiences of sharks. Bri is also involved in work exploring health benefits of nature connection for students, whale tourism experiences, impacts of the algal bloom in South Australia. We heard all about Bri's research in biophilia/biophobia, where human's fear of sharks tend to stem from, and how this in turn affects marine conservation. We learnt about Bri's pathway into getting into environmental psychology, and heard about Bri's passion for advocating that you don't need to wear a white lab coat to work in STEM. Bri also spoke about the algal bloom crisis in her home state of South Australia, and the effects it is having on both the ocean, but also the community. Maddy and Eliza were absolutely enthralled in this chat- we hope you love it as much as we did! You can follow Bri on instagram @drbriannalebusque_ Any questions or queries contact [email protected] to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

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• Lighting the path for the next generation of rangers with Louie Andersen

  We were thrilled to have Ranger Louie on for our July podcast episode, in celebration of world ranger day (July 31st) and all the incredible women rangers on the front line of conservation! Louie is an absolute firecracker- currently working as a ranger in Western Australia, and bringing us on her adventures through her Youtube and Instagram channels. From starting studying paramedicine, to firefighting in her role as a ranger, we heard all about Louie's journey in getting to where she is today. We gained insight into the extremely diverse role that is being a ranger, and what a typical (well, as learn there is no such thing) day as a ranger entails. Louie talks us through what it is like being a woman in the ranger field, which is still largely dominated by men, and how she aims to bring light to this important role and inspire future Ranger Louie's through her Youtube channel. You can find Louie on Instagram @ranger_louie and on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@ranger_louieAny questions or queries contact [email protected] to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

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• Pivoting and perseverance with wildlife guide Unathi Makwange

  We were fortunate enough to have Unathi Makwange join us for our June episode! Unathi is a wildlife projects coordinator in training from Pretoria, South Africa, with a deep-rooted passion for nature, storytelling, and making a difference in the conservation space. We learn all about Unathi's journey in getting to this role at the age of 20 years old, including rejection, pivoting, and ultimately finding her calling in the South African bush. In this chat Unathi was wise beyond her years, and provides listeners with insights into life as a young woman in wildlife in South Africa, along with offering some very important pieces of advice for those wanting to pursue a similar path. You can find Unathi on instagram at @shivagonewildAny questions or queries contact [email protected] to our resources:Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlifeMusic by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

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