An EconoTimes perspective

Dr Vanessa Pirotta

Marine scientist and science communicator, Macquarie University

Marine scientist and science communicator, Macquarie University Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a marine biologist and science communicator. Vanessa’s most well-known research involves the use of emerging technologies such as drones for whale conservation. Vanessa has led pioneering research in collaboration with industry experts to develop custom-built, waterproof drones to collect whale snot (visible plume of spray) from large whales for an assessment of whale health. Whale research has taken Vanessa around the world including Tonga, Antarctica and Madagascar. Vanessa is also a passionate and experienced science communicator who loves making science accessible to everyone. Vanessa is the National and International award winner of the prestigious science communication competition FameLab, where she represented Australia on the international stage. Vanessa regularly connects with school students nationally and international via the Skype-A-Scientist platform. Vanessa completed her Master of Research (MRes) in 2014 where she investigated the effects of underwater construction and whale alarms upon migrating humpback whales off Sydney, Australia. Vanessa also has a Bachelor of Science from the Australian National University where she majored in Zoology and Evolution and Ecology.