Amy's Homeward Bound Journey
Donation protected
Hi, I’m Dr Amy Edwards, a post-doctoral research fellow at La Trobe University in Melbourne, and one of 80 women from around the world who has been accepted into the prestigious leadership program for women in science, known as Homeward Bound. A year-long leadership program culminating in a 3-week intensive training course to Antarctica; a global movement helping women change the way we care for our planet.
What are you on about, Amy?!
Scientists typically avoid public debate. We steer clear of these, often-negative, interactions, and prefer to isolate ourselves to our lab or field site with the intent of creating change only in our local environment.
Imagine a world where scientists had the confidence, clarity and strategic capability to take up leadership roles and publicly create change, and influence policy and decision-making. Homeward Bound aims to do just that! Over 10 years, 1000 women in science will complete an extensive leadership training and science education course to equip them to take a seat at their global-change and policy-making table in the future.
Australia has one of the highest rates of species extinction, which is remarkable considering how little time has passed since European settlement. Australia is also one of the most vulnerable places in the wake of climate change, hosting many endemic species, exhibiting minimal highland areas for climate refuge, and extensive coastline and reef at risk from rising oceans. Australia needs leaders who are equipped with the knowledge required to make sensible decisions regarding our future. Australia needs the women of Homeward Bound 2019.
Quokka, Rottnest Island. Currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Currently listed as Freaking Adorable by me.
But why Antarctica?
Antarctica is showing the fastest response to climate change. Studying climate systems in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean will provide critical insights into global-scale change, and the influence of human activities on environmental change. Travel to Antarctica will result in inspiration that will lead to action!
Not Antarctica... But this glacier won't be around for long if we ignore climate change!
And why women?
No one can argue the benefits of diversity. Bringing in new ideas and new inspiration can only be a good thing. According to the Office of the Chief Scientist , in 2016, men were 4 times more likely to hold higher end, or management roles in the science sector in Australia, while overall women hold only 16% of qualified science jobs, and earn on average 24.3% less than men in the same field, with the same level of responsibility and experience. We aim to change that.
The rarely seen females bias! 15 female and 1 male scientist taking in the view of Uluru, during the Australian Mammal Society Conference in 2016.
Why Donate?
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will allow me to improve my leadership skills and gain the confidence that I need going forth in my science journey. It is has always been my aim to improve the lives of those who need it most, particularly animals. Through this program, I will be able to take my research discoveries further and improve policy and decision-making to assist our furry, feathered and scaly friends! Not to mention blazing the path for those young, bright-eyed girls who are following in my footsteps towards a career in science.
The program is very expensive, and requires me to fundraise $16,000US (approx. $21,000AU), plus the cost of flights, insurance, clothing etc. Your contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.
Your Rewards
I don’t like asking for money. I particularly don’t like asking for money and giving nothing in return. Here are a few little incentives for you:
$5 - I will take a photo in Antarctica, holding a thank you notice to all those who contributed
$50 - A postcard sent from Ushuaia, El Fin Del Mundo (The End of the World)
$100 - A photo with your personal message taken in Antarctica
$250 - An inspirational cross-stitch or watercolour painting made by yours truly!
Choose: Innocent or Vulgar.
$500 - A two-of-a-kind framed sock. Worn by me… in Antarctica! You know you want this!
What are you on about, Amy?!
Scientists typically avoid public debate. We steer clear of these, often-negative, interactions, and prefer to isolate ourselves to our lab or field site with the intent of creating change only in our local environment.
Imagine a world where scientists had the confidence, clarity and strategic capability to take up leadership roles and publicly create change, and influence policy and decision-making. Homeward Bound aims to do just that! Over 10 years, 1000 women in science will complete an extensive leadership training and science education course to equip them to take a seat at their global-change and policy-making table in the future.
Australia has one of the highest rates of species extinction, which is remarkable considering how little time has passed since European settlement. Australia is also one of the most vulnerable places in the wake of climate change, hosting many endemic species, exhibiting minimal highland areas for climate refuge, and extensive coastline and reef at risk from rising oceans. Australia needs leaders who are equipped with the knowledge required to make sensible decisions regarding our future. Australia needs the women of Homeward Bound 2019.
Quokka, Rottnest Island. Currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Currently listed as Freaking Adorable by me. But why Antarctica?
Antarctica is showing the fastest response to climate change. Studying climate systems in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean will provide critical insights into global-scale change, and the influence of human activities on environmental change. Travel to Antarctica will result in inspiration that will lead to action!
Not Antarctica... But this glacier won't be around for long if we ignore climate change!And why women?
No one can argue the benefits of diversity. Bringing in new ideas and new inspiration can only be a good thing. According to the Office of the Chief Scientist , in 2016, men were 4 times more likely to hold higher end, or management roles in the science sector in Australia, while overall women hold only 16% of qualified science jobs, and earn on average 24.3% less than men in the same field, with the same level of responsibility and experience. We aim to change that.
The rarely seen females bias! 15 female and 1 male scientist taking in the view of Uluru, during the Australian Mammal Society Conference in 2016. Why Donate?
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will allow me to improve my leadership skills and gain the confidence that I need going forth in my science journey. It is has always been my aim to improve the lives of those who need it most, particularly animals. Through this program, I will be able to take my research discoveries further and improve policy and decision-making to assist our furry, feathered and scaly friends! Not to mention blazing the path for those young, bright-eyed girls who are following in my footsteps towards a career in science.
The program is very expensive, and requires me to fundraise $16,000US (approx. $21,000AU), plus the cost of flights, insurance, clothing etc. Your contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.
Your Rewards
I don’t like asking for money. I particularly don’t like asking for money and giving nothing in return. Here are a few little incentives for you:
$5 - I will take a photo in Antarctica, holding a thank you notice to all those who contributed
$50 - A postcard sent from Ushuaia, El Fin Del Mundo (The End of the World)
$100 - A photo with your personal message taken in Antarctica
$250 - An inspirational cross-stitch or watercolour painting made by yours truly!
Choose: Innocent or Vulgar.
$500 - A two-of-a-kind framed sock. Worn by me… in Antarctica! You know you want this!
Organizer
Amy Edwards
Organizer
Watsonia North VIC
