STEM Profile: Dr Charlotte Birkmanis

Dr Charlotte Birkmanis

Marine biologist • Shark and predator scientist • Ecologist • Philanthropic advisor • Keynote speaker • Author • Wildlife science communicator

Dr Charlotte Birkmanis wears many hats to ensure we have a regenerative and sustainable ocean, serving as a managing director, philanthropic advisor, public speaker, STEM Ambassador, wildlife researcher, Superstar of STEM. expedition leader, explorer, business founder and science communicator.

City/town: Sunshine Coast

State: QLD

STEMM sectors: Education, Environment, Research, Science, Wider STEMM / Other

Open to being contacted about the following volunteer roles: Board positions, Mentoring others, New job opportunities, Speaking at professional events/panels, Speaking at schools

Guiding principle: To find ways we can all coexist with sharks and other misunderstood predators, Charlotte is committed to advancing marine research, supporting solutions-driven science, and promoting ocean literacy.

Areas of expertise: science communication, marine ecology, philanthropy, sharks, communication

Contact Dr Charlotte Birkmanis

Q&A

When have you taken a risk in your career, and what did you learn from it (regardless of the outcome)?

I work across a variety of disciplines, from philanthropy to ecology and social sciences. It was a risk to accept the role of Managing Director of a philanthropic foundation while continuing my research, but I enjoy working with a diverse range of people with various backgrounds and points of view.

If you could collaborate with anyone (past or present, in or outside STEMM), who would it be and what would you want to explore together?

It would have to be Sir David Attenborough. He has been such an inspiration to me and so many others.

What role does creativity play in your work, and how do you nurture it?

I love finding new ways to engage everyone in the conservation conversation, whether writing books for kids of all ages (from 1 to 111), hosting my radio show and podcast, or presenting online or on a stage. With degrees in Arts and Science, I believe they are two sides of the same coin.

What change, big or small, would you most like to see in the culture of STEMM fields over the next decade?

I hope to help more researchers discover and negotiate the world of philanthropy. I often present on the powerful potential of philanthropic partnerships and have noticed that many Australian researchers are unaware of the exciting opportunities available and how to access funding.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy both creating connections in philanthropy, and fieldwork studying sharks and other wildlife. This has taken me to 50+ countries, from Antarctica to the tropics and across entire oceans. I study animals living in the open ocean and enjoy the serenity of being surrounded by nothing but ocean.

What drew you to your field in the first place?

I love mysteries and supporting the underdog, and sharks and other predators are among the most misunderstood animals on the planet. Ecology allows me to use my skills in statistics and communication to draw back the blue curtain to uncover the mysteries of nature and share them with the world.