Brodie is a Curtin University student and CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship recipient.
She has gained international and industry experience across marine science and sustainability.
A recent voyage aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator strengthened her skills and career ambitions.
Following curiosity, guided by culture
Brodie O'Breza's journey into marine science began with a question or, more accurately, a lifetime of them.
Growing up in Pemberton, a small rural town in Western Australia, Brodie was always the kid asking 'how' and 'why'. At school, she gravitated toward science, fascinated by the natural world and how everything worked. Though she lived about an hour from the ocean, the pull of the sea was ever-present, tied to her heritage as a proud Torres Strait Islander woman.
"My heritage ignited my passion for marine science," she said.
"I aspire to use my knowledge to address conservation issues related to climate change."
That blend of curiosity, culture and care for Country shaped her path after high school. Brodie recently graduated from Curtin University, where she studied coastal and marine science and environmental management. Brodie has actively sought out opportunities to build her experience.
She has completed field programs in South Africa and Nepal, and undertaken placements with Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, gaining practical insight into environmental science in action.
It was also during this time that Brodie applied for and was accepted into the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship Program.
Brodie joined CSIRO's Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy in 2023 and is also a recipient of the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship, which provides financial assistance and creates pathways into STEM careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The scholarship program was established in partnership with 11 Australian universities to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous students throughout their academic journey. By easing the costs associated with study, including textbooks and living expenses, the program enables students to focus on their education and thrive at university.
The program also connects students with career opportunities in STEM through internships, vacation placements and graduate roles.
With this support, Brodie continued to pursue opportunities abroad, including a New Colombo Plan scholarship to Fiji, where she studied coral reef ecosystems.
"The experience made me want to do more in this field," she said.
"I came back inspired to push myself further."
In 2025, Brodie joined CSIRO's Environment Research Unit in Perth, through a studentship with the Indigenous Science and Engagement Office. She also continues to stay involved with the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy as part of their mentor program and is grateful for all the opportunities she's had at CSIRO.
"The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy is such an uplifting and supportive program to be a part of, where we celebrate everyone's accomplishments, and sometimes all you need is a little encouragement."
"Every opportunity I've taken has opened another door," she said.
"If you put yourself out there, there's no limit to where you can go."
Brodie had an internship opportunity in Fiji, with the Locally Managed Marine Areas International Trust (LMMA).
Building skills, connecting back to Country
Brodie's work focused on carbon lock – the idea that because our systems (like energy, transport and industry) are built around fossil fuels, it's hard to transition to greener alternatives. Her team is exploring nature-based and climate solutions to help remove carbon from the atmosphere and build resilience in a changing climate.
She said one of the most rewarding parts of her experience had been the ability to bring her cultural identity into her work.
"Being at CSIRO has shown me that science and culture can work together – it's empowering to bring my Torres Strait Islander identity into this space and feel supported."
A rising tide of opportunity
After being awarded an Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship (ITSS), Brodie joined a month-long voyage aboard RV Investigator.
Brodie also had the opportunity to join a month-long voyage aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator, Australia's advanced ocean research vessel, after being awarded a CSIRO Indigenous Time at Sea Scholarship (ITSS) .
Working alongside leading scientists, she contributed to deep-sea biodiversity research and gained hands-on experience in marine fieldwork – from sorting and identifying species to supporting sampling operations at sea.
"It felt like another world. It was my first time on a research vessel like the RV Investigator. Everything was new, and I had to learn on the go."
Beyond the technical skills, the experience gave Brodie a new perspective on working in science.
"I realised that the scientists I looked up to aren't as intimidating as I thought – you live with them, have breakfast together and work alongside them, and they're just normal people."
Looking ahead
With the voyage behind her, Brodie is already planning her next steps. She hopes to continue working with CSIRO while considering further study at James Cook University.
"My dream is to return to the Torres Strait, connect with my Country, and use what I've learned to protect our oceans and inspire the next generation."
Her journey is just beginning, but she's already making waves - bringing together culture, curiosity and science to shape her future.
Brodie's cultural heritage ignited her passion for marine science..
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