EPA is celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11 February) with a series of staff profiles.

In the lead up to Saturday and in recognition of the role women in science play at EPA, we’ll be featuring three of EPA’s scientists.

Kara Fry is a Senior Research and Development Officer in the Land & Waste Sciences team. Kara grew up in the bush and would spend her free time out walking, which is where her passion for science started.

“I loved observing how the landscape changed with each season and how fire, drought and rainfall influenced these changes in unique ways. I knew that nature was something special, and that it was something I wanted to protect,” Ms Fry said.

Kara completed a Bachelor of Environmental Management and a Master of Research at Macquarie University. This allowed her to experience different aspects of environmental science, researching environmental contamination and eventually led her to EPA.

Kara says working at EPA has allowed her to keep exploring science in new ways. “I get to work alongside a passionate team, the Victorian community and important industry stakeholders to work towards a common goal of improving how we protect our environment,” she said.

“I think the gender divide in STEM is easing and I’m fortunate to work alongside intelligent and inspirational people in STEM at EPA,” Ms Fry said.

Kara says there are still challenges facing women and girls in STEM, especially visibility.

“There have been times where in a line-up of award recipients, I was the only female, or an important research paper comes out with an all-male author list.,” she said.

“We need to band together, collaborate, and celebrate our successes so that women in STEM get the visibility they deserve.”

Kara has recently worked on EPA’s program GardenSafe, a program that allows Victorian gardeners to learn more about the science of their backyards.

“I hope this program encourages people to give science a go - and maybe even inspire someone to pursue a career in STEM,” she said.

“Science is for everyone - no matter your gender, background or beliefs. The more diversity we see in STEM, the stronger our impact is and the more supportive our network is.”

For anyone considering a STEM pathway, Kara has the following advice, “don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, jump into new and exciting opportunities, and celebrate your wins.”