Paula Wasiak
Senior Research Officer
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Contact me for
- Mentoring
- Sitting on boards or committees
- Providing an expert opinion
- Outreach activities
- Conference presenting
- Opportunities to collaborate
Biography
Penguins are so much more than the clowns of the animal kingdom. They’re fierce predators, endurance swimmers, and a key indicator of ocean health. As a field biologist, my mission is to make you fall in love with them – and inspire you to protect our environment in the process.
I began my journey researching penguins in 2007 and have been covered in penguin poop and elbow deep in burrows ever since. I coordinate and conduct field data collection for the Phillip Island Nature Parks, supporting projects aimed at future-proofing penguins' survival and unlocking the mysteries of the oceans.
In 2023, I was named a Science and Technology Australia Superstar of STEM.
I’m passionate about creating a positive impact on the planet and I thrive on sharing knowledge and technical expertise with other penguin and conservation groups. Having completed my Honours in Zoology, I’m also an all-round nature nerd and I love telling stories to all audiences, mixing in science with funny anecdotes in the hope of sparking joy, wonder and a desire for conservation action in the wider community.
You can occasionally find me on the radio, television or presenting public talks. I am happy to be contacted if you are after someone to chat about penguins, nature, and conservation, or what it is like being a woman in STEM working closely with wildlife.