Q & A with Dr. Vanessa Pirotta

1. City of residence: Australia
2. Place of birth: Australia (I would like to be general here 🙂 )
3. Can you please give us a brief overview of the research you’re currently working on? Where do I start? Marine mammal conservation. Emerging technology use for marine mammal conservation, citizen science and lots of science communication! (You can hear more about it on The Wise Consumer podcast and in my TedTalk (see below).

4. What is the most challenging aspect of the work you’re doing?
Fieldwork! Working with animals and the ocean can be a challenge! Yet, it is so amazing when everything comes together.

5. What is the best part of the work you’re doing? Why?
I am able to make a difference and contribute to the conservation of marine life at a global level. An example of that was my recent trip to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. I was invited as a marine mammal expert to take part in a marine mammal meeting aimed at reducing bycatch in fishing gear.

6. If you could share just one piece of wisdom with the world, what would it be?
Be thankful and appreciate the little things in life.

7. What book(s) are you currently reading?
I just got it yesterday at the airport: Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck

8. Quote you (try to) live by?
Everything happens for a reason AND my favorite – “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

9. Using one word, how would you describe yourself? Enthusiastic

10. What is one random fact that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a plane nerd. The science behind aircraft is so interesting.