Cetacean Sisters

Inspiring future female scientists

through cetacean science.


When I grow-up I want to be a marine biologist!

Many of us have said this to our parents when asked what want to do as a career when we grow up. If we have an interest in Science at an early age, what stops us, especially females, from continuing with our passion for the field?

Cetacean Science Connections’ scientist, Dr. Sue Mason, photographing dolphins in Port Phillip during a research survey. Image taken by Dave Donnelly under a DEECA research permit.

Science and the gender bias

When asked to draw a scientist, two-thirds of students aged 9 to 11 will depict the scientist as male.

Source: Office of the Chief Scientist, Australian Government

Barriers that prevent young women from studying Science, Technology,  Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at a tertiary level include:

  • Stereotypes
  • Bias
  • Lack of understanding of career options

  • Disengagement
  • Family and cultural expectations
  • Lack of role models

Source: Women in STEM Decadal plan, Australian Academy of Science


Cetacean Science Workshops

Cetacean Sisters™ is an initiative by Cetacean Science Connections.  Cetacean Sisters aims to provide female Secondary students, with an opportunity to experience science and cetacean research through dedicated workshops.

  • Why scientific literacy is important in our everyday lives
  • What is the scientific method and why is it important?
  • How researchers collect and report on data on cetaceans
  • How identifying individual cetaceans can help wildlife managers and species conservation

Join us at one of our upcoming Cetacean Sisters workshops. 

Humpback whale fluke
Humpback whale fluke.
Image taken under permit.

Our biggest critic is often ourselves. Let your inner voice be your own cheer squad.