EPA is celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Saturday 11 February) with a series of staff profiles.

In the lead up to Saturday and in recognition of the role women in science play at EPA, we’ll be featuring three of EPA’s scientists.

Dr Shamali De Silva is a chemical scientist focusing on land and waste. She is also an honorary associate at RMIT University.

Dr De Silva has always been passionate about science and was inspired by her curiosity.

“I was always good at breaking things but never knew how to fix them. Trying to fix things piqued my curiosity. Curiosity is science,” she says.

“In high school I had a passion for chemistry, physics, maths and geography, and now I am a professional soil scientist.”

For Dr De Silva, soil is a wonderful natural resource that sustains life. It filters and traps pollutants, but once contaminated, it’s difficult to remediate it.

With EPA for 3 and a half years, Dr De Silva is developing and enforcing the regulations that help minimise pollution and harm from chemicals and waste.

Despite her passion and expertise, Dr De Silva has faced stereotypes and obstacles during her career.

“As a mother of two children, progressing my career in academia was challenging. Balancing the rigour of science and the unpredictable nature of motherhood is one of the trickiest things someone can do. This is the reality many female scientists face,” she said.

“There’s a stereotype that women are not good at maths and engineering and lack leadership skills. This is a myth, as women are strong, organised and prompt decision makers.”

EPA’s flexible working environment has allowed Dr De Silva to balance her work and personal life. “Allowing me to lead, learn, collaborate on challenging projects and topics has supported me to contribute and enhance my expertise in protecting the Victorian environment and human health,” she said.

Dr De Silva believes it’s important for more women and girls to consider a career in science.

“I think the way women think is somewhat unique and we are good problem-solvers and risk takers. We need different perspectives for research and development. Your own style and mindset can be a massive contribution to science, so choose it as a career and have fun and challenge yourself,” she said.

“Science is for everyone and it’s very rewarding. If you have the passion and if you are not sure, seek advice and talk to people in your field of interest. Many of my best science mentors I treasure are women, who are very successful in STEM careers.”