Episode 14: Dr Fiona Scott (IMAS/AAD/CSIRO)

The guest in this episode is Dr Fiona Scott, a phytoplankton biologist with the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania. Fiona is also a Visiting Scientist with the Australian Antarctic Division and with CSIRO. In addition, she is the Honorary Curator of Algae at the Tasmanian Herbarium, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. You will hear Fiona relate her interesting career path, from first being inspired into science by a teacher at high school. The variety in her fascinating career includes, among so many things, having studied and co-authored a book on turf algae of the Great Barrier Reef, long stints of research in Antarctica (including two stays of 14 and 18 months respectively), working as a tour guide for Antarctic voyages out of South America and Hobart, a PhD (UTas) on the rare algal species of southern Australia, and as author of the book Marine Plants of Tasmania, which details 169 species of seaweeds and seagrasses found in Tasmanian waters. You will also hear Fiona talk with passion and with encouragement and advice for students who may wish to consider a career in marine botany or other areas of science.