Flood Operations Specialist Erin Howard.
February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and to mark the day we've spoken to some of the women making an impact with their work at the Bureau, every day.
The focus of the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science is to close the gender gap in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to UNESCO, women continue to represent less than one third of the world's researchers.
Some of the women working in science at the Bureau, Flood Operations Specialist Erin Howard, Flood Operations team lead Ashleigh Hackles and Senior Meteorologist Rosa Hoff, share their science career journey and their advice for future female scientists.
What is your current role?
Erin: I'm a flood operations specialist. I assess regions across Australia for upcoming flood risk and produce flood-related products such as warnings.
Ashleigh: I am the team lead for flood operations in Brisbane. And operationally, my role is part of the cohort of National Water Operations Managers, which work 24/7 to support the flood forecasting and warning service at the Bureau, working with the National Water Operations team.
Rosa: I'm a senior meteorologist at the Bureau. I make forecasts for all of Australia, and chances are, if you've seen a forecast from us on the web or on the app, it's me and my team who've worked to put that together. This involves not just putting together our best forecast, but also pulling together expertise from many of our specialist teams across the Bureau to make sure it's the best forecast.
What inspired you to get into a career in science?
Erin: I've always loved science, ever since I was a little kid. I was the type of kid who would bring rocks and sticks home, always ask about the weather, have to go look at the radar every time there was a storm coming. And that passion just kept growing as I got older, and I knew I had to do something in science, especially earth and environmental sciences.
Ashleigh: I always loved science and maths as a kid, and as I got older, I really enjoyed seeing the real-world application of science, and I got into engineering. I have a degree in civil engineering, and that spurred me on into water engineering, which is hydrology. And then I've ended up in the Bureau, which has really expanded my science horizons.
Rosa: I've always loved science, even from a young age, and I wasn't always sure why. I grew up in the country with nature all around me, as well as seeing the lives of the people around me being impacted by things like weather every day. That just made me curious and want to know more, so it was always science for me, but it took me some time to figure out what kind of science might be the best fit.
Senior Meteorologist Rosa Hoff.
What is something you love about your job?
Erin: There's a lot I love, but I think the thing I love the most is the sense of fulfilment that I get when I send a warning, knowing that I'm helping the Australian community to stay safe during uncertain times, especially when it can be really, really scary.
Ashleigh: I love being involved in operations and seeing the impact that we have for the Australian public. But, also I really love the days where I'm not operational because it gives me the opportunity to watch the team in action.
I get such pride seeing the way that the processes that we've put in place work and how they add value every day, in the flood forecasting and warning space.
Rosa: The main thing I love about my job is my ability to help people while also doing something that I love. I really enjoy that we make a difference in the lives of people in small ways, and in big ways. Plus, I think the weather is just amazing - it's powerful and beautiful and really interesting. I love learning more about why it does what it does.
How have role models influenced you throughout your career?
Erin: They've inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and to continue to further my knowledge so that I can do the best that I can.
Ashleigh: I've been at the Bureau for almost 15 years, and I've been really blessed to mostly have female direct supervisors in that time. I've watched the ratio of women at the Bureau increase, and it's such a joy to see so many women in leadership roles. I think women who are at the top of their field technically, but also in a leadership sense, really just bring something extra to the conversation and have a way of looking at problems and projects that just add so much more value.
Rosa: I was really lucky to have a number of women around me who empowered me to get to know more and to pursue a career in science, rather than pushing me into something that might be a bit more stereotypical for where I grew up at the time. And this also meant them encouraging me towards something that was going to be hands-on, rather than just focusing on academia and writing papers. I really wanted to get stuck in and make a difference.
Flood operations team lead Ashleigh Hackles.
What advice would you give your younger self looking to pursue a career in science?
Erin: My advice to my younger self would be to always ask questions and never fear the unknown.
Ashleigh: I considered some other career opportunities, but when I really thought about it, I wanted to know that I was going to make a difference. I think it's the big advantage of science and being in this space - every day working at the Bureau, we make a difference for the Australian public.
I have so much pride in doing that and seeing my colleagues working in that space. I think trust your gut and know that's what you want to be in, there's room for you, and make a difference.
Rosa: Absolutely go for it. There are so many questions to ask. There are so many amazing answers to find. Just keep looking at things that you like and keep wanting to search for answers to those questions. You'll find something that really fascinates you, so go for it.
