Science Week 2024 Profiles - Aiden Riley
As Australia celebrates National Science Week 2024, the EPA are giving praise to our own hard-working scientists. Our team members make a difference to our environment through assessment and regulation of pollution, waste, noise, and radiation.
Aiden Riley is Senior Environmental Adviser – Waste Regulation working in the EPA’s Circular Economy and Waste Branch.
How long have you worked at the EPA? 6 years.
Why did you want to work in the science field? I’ve always loved nature and had a curiosity about the world, the environment, and how things work. When I learnt about the potential impacts of waste on the environment, I wanted to contribute to solving problems to minimise those impacts.
What is a typical day in your role? I apply science to assessing, inspecting and regulating commercial and industrial sites to ensure they operate appropriately to prevent air, land and water pollution. I assess proposals for innovative waste management practices to ensure they are protective of the environment and human health and promote circular economy benefits. I also undertake drone surveys and respond to incidents as part of the EPA Emergency Response Team.
How is your work making a difference to the state? It helps to maximise sustainability benefits and minimises environmental and human health impacts from waste management.
What advice would you offer someone who is interested in a career in science? Find something you are passionate about, then applying any science to it will be rewarding!
