About ECU

Dr Sora Marin-Estrella

Dr Sora Marin-Estrella is a coastal ecology and biodiversity conservation researcher and lecturer for the School of Science at ECU’s South West Campus, being the Campus Coordinator for the Bachelor of Sciences. With a PhD in marine sciences, Sora's research focuses on coastal ecology and biology and the impact of human activities on these ecosystems. She evaluates the quality of natural and man-made wetlands as foraging grounds for migratory and non-migratory animals, as well as assessing the potential role of man-made and modified wetlands as buffer habitats against habitat loss and climate change. Her research has taken her to remote locations in Western Australia like Lake MacLeod and the Kimberley.

Dr Sora participates actively in the ECU School of Science Outreach Program, promoting STEM knowledge, careers and pathways among high school students and the community in regional areas.  She is passionate about supporting and enhancing students’ engagement in conservation biology and environmental sciences with its significant importance and linkages to both the community and Indigenous knowledge.

Hear more on her career journey and research in the area of coastal ecology:

1. As a woman in STEM, what or who inspired you to pursue your career in the field of natural sciences?

   I have always loved animals and the sea. Even when I was a little girl, I wanted to understand why animals behave as they do and how they interact with their habitats. I watched avidly documentaries and read the Ocean World encyclopaedia by Jacques Cousteau. My eureka moment happened in my first year of university with the ecology unit. I saw a graph of a prey-predators model, the Lotka and Volterra model, and I realised we could explain animal interactions, with a graph! I knew then that was what I wanted to work on, ecology.

2. What challenges you about being a lecturer and mentor in ECU’s School of Science, specifically within coastal ecology and biodiversity conservation?

   I like to learn. Working in tertiary education and research allows you to learn all the time. I enjoy having the opportunity to show students and young people how incredible science is, the knowledge that it has brought and hopefully to help them see how enjoyable can be to understand natural processes.

3. What were some of the barriers you faced when completing your PhD and/or working on your research? What do you think universities could do to support female students in progressing in STEM?

   As a woman, having kids had a substantial impact on my career. I don’t think the system is yet adapted to allow a balanced life of parenthood/work. Also, working far away from your colleagues and other researchers close to your area of expertise can be challenging, because you don’t have the daily input and discussions. You can feel really isolated. Universities can support the creation of discussion/student groups where female students can discuss the problems and issues they are encountering and also find solutions as a group. At the same time, it will promote networking.

4. With a passion for biodiversity conservation, what do you think is important for our next generation of students in tackling the global crisis of climate change?

   Do not forget habitat destruction, in all its forms, (destruction, degradation, modification, exploitation, contamination etc) since at this stage, it is the main driver of the biodiversity crisis. And of course, influence the communities and organisations you live, study and work in to act now on human-induced climate change. But also, consider what changes we need to do in the systems we live in to adapt to what is already here, the natural disasters driven by climate change, and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because they have been looking after country for 60,000 years.

5. As a role model for women researchers and women in STEM, do you have any advice for how women can succeed and thrive within their own STEM careers?

Focus on an area that you are passionate about. Collaborate and seek support, do not try to do it alone!