The world is your oyster – expedition of a lifetime
Anne-Maree Long, a proud Badjala, Woopaburra and Torres Strait Islander woman shares her experience on a ‘Fire to Flood; expedition research vessel mentoring a group of young Indigenous future scientists.
When Ann-Maree Long was a young girl, she never imagined that one day she would set sail on a research vessel mentoring a group of young Indigenous future scientists.
And she did just that on her recent ‘Fire to Flood’ expedition to Amsterdam – through the International Ocean Discovery Program’s US Science Support Program.
Ann-Maree described the experience as something her grandmother could only have dreamed of.
National coordinator for the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy Ann-Maree Long - photo by Ann-Maree Long
‘For First Nations women like me, this is our time. If the passion and curiosity is within you, just know that women will gather and support you through your journey – the world is literally your oyster.’
The expedition is one of the many opportunities available through the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (Science, Tech, Engineering & Mathematics). Ann-Maree is the National Coordinator for the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy, a partnership between CareerTrackers and CSIRO, as well as a facilitator and mentor.
The Academy is a two-way exchange for the young Indigenous women participants. With culturally tailored support, internships, work experience, they learn and share knowledge in cross cultural yarning workshops, lectures and student presentations.
During the expedition, Ann-Maree mentored a group of students from Gubbi Gubbi, Iningai, Trawoolway, Kaurna and Ngauranga communities. They were also supported by additional industry mentors representing Kamilaroi, Woppaburra, Badjala and the Torres Strait Islands.
Indigenous science students on an expedition of a lifetime - photo by Ann-Maree Long
The students and their mentors shared a passion for climate justice and the role that First Nations voices play across the fields of STEM.
The start of the expedition was earth-moving – literally, starting with a destination change from Iceland to Amsterdam thanks to a volcano eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. In Naples, lessons about tectonic plate activity in Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius were brought to life as a surge in seismic activity delivered three days of minor earthquake tremors.
Indigenous science students learning journey - photo by Professor Bradley Moggridge
Their oceanic travels came with a huge focus on sharing First Nations histories and their diverse science practices.
Expedition group mentor Ann-Maree said the rare opportunity to teach her fellow expeditioners the scientific knowledge passed down over millennia through her Ancestors was a highlight.
Indigenous science is amazing – communicating with Country can teach you so much – you can predict weather from observing bird flying patterns.
Aboard the 2024 JR Academy Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling Resolution research vessel, the group sailed across the Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans and several waterways, working through a jam-packed schedule of workshops, lectures and lab activities.
Research vessel sets sail
In its final stage in Amsterdam, they explored the country’s waterways and flood management processes. The insights were especially valuable after the floods experienced by many Australian communities in recent years and predicted for the years ahead.
Ann-Maree says being back home does not mean the journey is over for these bright young future STEM professionals.
‘Their networks will stay strong and keep growing as they share experiences and encourage other young women following in their footsteps.’
The CSIRO and CareerTrackers work as partners to deliver the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy, which provides First Nations women and girls a hands-on opportunity to pursue their future career goals in the STEM field.
Find out more
Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy | CSIRO