Tropical ecologist, reptile biologist and explorer, Dr. Georgia Ward-Fear takes on questions from school students around Australia in this exclusive In Class With… episode.
Answering questions about her career pathway, ecology and reptiles, and working with invasive species, Dr. Georgia Ward-Fear – Tropical ecologist, reptile biologist and explorer, inspires students to do what they love and make the most of opportunities.
For students learning about the use and influence of science, and human impact on the environment, this In Class With… episode will inspire, engage and answer all the big questions!
Meet Georgia:
Georgia Ward-Fear has always loved the wonders of the natural world …
Like many of us, as a child Georgia was inspired by Sir David Attenborough. She watched as he investigated the mysteries of nature and decided she wanted to do that too.
Georgia has successfully developed a technique to reduce the impact of wild cane toads on native fauna. Cane toads are an introduced species to Australia, and poison many Australian animals, such as quolls, goannas, snakes, and crocodiles. She is working towards saving vital Australian ecosystems by training these animals to dislike the taste of toads (like the aversion we can get when we’ve had food poisoning caused by a certain food).
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Collaborations, Women in STEM, and research adventures…
Georgia collaborates with the indigenous ranger network across northern Australia and produces educational material for the public. She has been a Val Street Scholar (2013-2016) and a NSW Tall Poppy (2021), and is part of the Homeward Bound Initiative (2019) – a global network of Women in STEM, collaborating to influence global environmental policy.
Georgia is a huge advocate for equality and diversity in science. She is a ‘Superstar of STEM’, a program run by Science and technology Australia aiming to smash gender stereotypes across STEM and encouraging more girls to study and work in STEM fields.
An adventurous spirit, Georgia has trekked through many continents and travelled thousands of kilometers in a sea kayak to live with the people of the pacific islands. Such experiences fuel her passion for conservation research here and abroad.
Read this article to discover how the spotted-thighed frog will devour almost anything that fits into its mouth, leading to devastating impacts on our native ecosystems.
Alien frog invasion wreaks havoc on natural habitat
Indiscriminate feeding by an alien population of the carnivorous spotted-thighed frog – could severely affect the native biodiversity of southern Australia according to a new study by the University of South Australia. This article about an introduced frog species supports biology focusing on the need for ecosystem stability, and the impact introduced and invasive species can have on the environment.Aussie STEM Stars Book Series & Teacher Resource
You can explore or purchase a copy of Georgia’s Aussie STEM Stars book HERE.
The accompanying teacher resource allows you to guide students on a deeper exploration of Georgia’s journey and how she became a STEM superstar.
This resource is supported by the Wild Dingo Press, Aussie STEM Stars Series.
- This video is part of our In Class With… series. Explore all episodes HERE.
- Your students can ask questions to inspiring STEM personalities via our In Class With… events!
