Lillian Stewart

Lillian completed her BSc (Honours) in Applied Science (Marine Environment) at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in 2020. During her Honours, she worked closely with collaborators at the Tamar Wetlands as well as school and community groups such as Plastic Free Launceston to document the type and amount of plastic debris consumed by Pacific Gulls. Results indicate most birds are feeding at landfill sites, and we’re optimistic the data generated from this study will help guide improvements to waste management in the region. With a background in marine plastics and waste management, Lillian is well-suited to spend the next four years (her PhD) working with councils and community groups tackling waste-related issues on remote islands.

Lillian has already had numerous ‘wins’ despite only being 6 months into her PhD candidature. Earlier this year she was invited to speak for the Global Biodiversity Festival, performed alongside the Women in STEAM Eco-grief feature for Hobart’s Beaker Street Festival, was featured on the Ocean Protect Podcast (Episode link above), and has been developing her scientific communication skills after winning an Indigenous Women in STEM internship with Catfish Creative in Sydney. Lillian has also completed advanced courses in both statistics and analytical methods which will play a crucial role in her upcoming data collection and analysis. Despite the many challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted on the science community (Lillian's 1st field season on the Cocos and Christmas Islands was cancelled in August 2021), she's worked hard to stay motivated and has some exciting things planned for 2022.