International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025 - Staff Profile

This week the EPA is marking International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February by acknowledging some of the EPA's #womeninscience.

This day celebrates the work of women in science and that of their colleagues around the world.

For this year's 10th Anniversary, the UN’s focus is on 'Charting Progress to Shape the Future: The Best is Yet to Come'.

Sally Esplin is an Environment Protection Officer in the EPA's Compliance Branch.

• How long have you been with the EPA, and what initially drew you to the agency?

I have been with the EPA for around 6 months. I was drawn to the EPA because the EPA's core values resonate with my own values, especially of protecting our State's unique natural environment.

• Can you share your journey into science?

Science was one of my interests in school, but my early career took a detour through roles in a variety of industries across Australia first. Finally, after around 10 years in other professional roles I made the career change (and move home to SA) to study Environmental Science.

• What field did you study, and how did it shape your career?

I studied an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. My degree provided great networking opportunities with industry and government and allowed me to identify that working with the EPA would align with my career goals and personal values.

• What sparked your passion for pursuing a career in science?

My passion for environmental science was first sparked by listening to advocates in the environmental science space, in particular Dr. David Suzuki. Eventually, my own firsthand experiences of large-scale mining operations in Central Queensland prompted me to make a career change to a career in environmental science.

• What do you find most rewarding or meaningful about your role in advancing environmental protection or science?

The most rewarding part of my role is being able to work closely with industry to communicate the interests of the community and other stakeholders.

• What aspects of your work do you find most interesting and engaging?

The aspect of my work that I find most engaging is when I have the opportunity to learn about a new industry - there is always something new to learn at the EPA.

• From your perspective, what’s the most exciting or enjoyable part of your job?

Site visits are definitely an enjoyable and valuable part of my role at the EPA. I am lucky enough to get to see parts of our beautiful state, that I otherwise may not have the opportunity to. Site visits also give us valuable insight into the nuances associated with the industries and communities we engage with.

Additionally, I get the opportunity to witness the production of some products or the processing of some materials that I would probably not otherwise get to outside of my role at the EPA, an example of this is the production of glass bottles and jars (fascinating but hot!).

• Are there any surprising or lesser-known facts about your career or your field of work that you’d like to share?

For me, the most surprising part of my career in Environmental Science has been that it hasn't been all "stopping to smell the roses", but rather smelling composting piles and wastewater lagoons… but it's all a part of the experience!