Every year on February 11, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a special day to recognise the amazing contributions of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It’s a day to inspire and encourage girls everywhere to dream big and pursue their passions in science, just like many incredible women have before them.
There are many women scientists who have made incredible discoveries and advancements. One such hero is Marie Curie, who won two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry for her groundbreaking work on radioactivity. And then there’s Katherine Johnson, a mathematician whose calculations helped send astronauts into space—she made history with her amazing mind and incredible contributions to NASA.
In our very own island there many inspiring women who have made it big in the world of science, in today’s issue we get to know a very special lady, Dr. Asha de Vos, a marine biologist. She has an exciting job where she studies the deep sea and the special creatures that live in it. Dr. de Vos is known worldwide for her work as a marine biologist, ocean protector, storyteller, aquanaut and author, among other things. She also advises the United Nations Secretary General on science-related issues. She runs her organisation, Oceanswell, which she built to ensure that other people interested in working for the ocean have opportunities. Her work with the blue whales of Sri Lanka has been on all the big news channels you can think of and she has won many awards in Sri Lanka, but her most significant ones have come from across the world. A few fun facts are that her portrait hangs at Oxford University in the UK, there is a hand-woven portrait of her in the US and a deck of a ship carries her name. Let’s get to know Dr. Asha de Vos and what she does a little bit better in her own words.
Q: How did you become a marine biologist? Did you need any special training or schooling?
A: I grew up curious about the ocean and wanted to become an adventurer scientist because I wanted to go where no one else would ever go and see what no one else would ever see. By the time I was ready to go to university, I was sure that marine biology was the career for me because it combined my love for adventure, science and water (I was a swimmer and water polo player in school).
Dreaming of becoming a marine biologist was the first step, but dreams don’t come true unless you work at them. I then went to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to learn more about marine biology. When I studied marine biology. I worked hard for four years, and when I graduated, I could call myself a marine biologist.
I then started volunteering and supporting ongoing research projects.
These experiences have all prepared me for the career I have today, and it was on my first expedition that I encountered the blue whales in Sri Lanka and made my big discovery that has shown a light on how unique and special they are.
Q: What subjects do you need to study or like to become a marine biologist?
A: Apart from biology, this is a tough question because it depends on which university you pick. But to be safe, I recommend you study sciences like chemistry and maths. Marine biology is a very diverse field and if you have a good foundation, you can branch out, whether it is to study animals, their habitat or oceanography, which is the physics of the sea – currents.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face when studying the ocean?
A: There are different challenges; some years, we have to work harder to find funds to support our expeditions; other years, we might have a tough time finding the right boat for our work. If we are working in fish markets, there might be days when there are no fishermen to talk to, or they might not be interested in participating in our research. Sometimes, we do not have the right equipment to do a particular kind of work.
Like anything in life, the challenges can vary, but honestly, I have never had a challenge so big that I could not continue the work I do.
Q: How can children help protect the ocean and its creatures?
A: First of all, believe in your ability to make a change for the ocean and planet. That is the most important thing you can do. If you believe you can, you will. Next, learn what you can about the ocean – how it works, who lives in it, who depends on it, why we need to look after it and what threatens it. Then, think about what you are good at and your superpowers. Are you good at writing stories? Drawing? Writing comics? Making things? Raising money to support research and conservation?
Use your superpower to share what you know about the ocean with those around you – starting with your home, then your school and then people beyond those spaces. One of the biggest issues for the ocean is that many people do not know much about it – you can become an Ambassador for the ocean by sharing knowledge about it through stories, songs, drawings and any other skill you have.
The more people know how important it is, the more people will start to care. Then, take everyday action. Switch off the lights when you leave a room, carry your bag and water bottle wherever you go so you do not need to use single-use plastics, and think about how what you do today will change the ocean tomorrow, next week and in the future. I believe everyone; no matter their age has the incredible power to care for our ocean. I believe in you.
Q: What is your favourite sea creature and why?
A: It is the blue whale because it was my first encounter with this mighty ocean creature that helped kick-start my whole career and brought me to where I am today.
– Hashani Boange
