Sisters in Science: Dr Liz Dobson

Dr Liz Dobson in her veterinary science research lab

Header image courtesy Zoos Victoria

In answer to the call for posts about ‘Modern Women in Science’, I decided to write about my sister: Dr Elizabeth Dobson BSc (Biology), BSc (Vet. Bio), BVMS (Hons), MSc, Diplomate ACVP.

Why my sister? Well, first because she’s an accomplished scientist in the field of veterinary and wildlife pathology. And second, because she’s had a unique career. It’s an example of how scientists can draw on diverse experiences to shape their future and play an active role in carving out a professional niche that aligns with their goals (and financial needs!).

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Modern Women in Science: Eugenie “The Shark Lady” Clark

“I don’t get philosophical. Love fish. Love sharks. Keep the water and their habitats as clean and protected as possible” – Eugenie “The Shark Lady” Clark, American Ichthyologist

Early life

In the world of Marine Biology, there are two prominent female figures in my mind: Sylvia Earle, aka Her Deepness, and Eugenie Clark, aka the Shark Lady. Anyone who knows me will already know why they are so special to me, simply by reading their nicknames. I am a marine biologist, a shark scientist, and a woman so it feels special to have two such successful figures to look up to and to follow in their footsteps. You can look out for a post about Sylvia Earle very soon, but first let me tell you about her good friend and someone she looked up to since her childhood. Eugenie Clark was born in May 1922 (a Taurus like me!) in New York City to a Japanese mother and an American father. She became passionate about the underwater world when she was very young and wrote most of her school reports about the topic. She visited the Aquarium in NYC weekly and went on to study Zoology at Hunter College.

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