About the Guest:

Dr. Aparna Lal is an Associate Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU). Her interdisciplinary research background spans environmental science, wildlife ecology, and public health. Notably recognized as the 2020 Young Tall Poppy of the Year and the 2023 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, Dr. Lal recently received the 2024 Tony Ayers Prize for Excellence in Research in Translational Medicine. Her passion lies in addressing issues related to access to clean water and mitigating climate change impacts, particularly on children's health. Dr. Lal is a fervent advocate for equity and representation, supporting women in academia and working mothers.

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of CALD Voices in STEM, Dr. Chloe Lim talks with Dr. Aparna Lal, an environmental epidemiologist at Australia's leading national university. Dr. Lal, an award-winning scientist, shares her journey from India to New Zealand and now Australia, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to specialize in addressing environmental impacts on public health.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Lal delves into her research focus on environmental changes, climate impacts, and biodiversity loss and how these factors drive human health risks. With her research extending from Pacific islands to Indonesian communities, she emphasizes the importance of culturally tailored solutions powered by local communities' insights. Listeners will find inspiration in Dr. Lal's advocacy for quiet leadership and her efforts to support the next generation of scientists through an innovative annual research award.

Key Takeaways:

• Environmental Intersectionality: Dr. Lal underscores the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health, sharing insights from her global research initiatives.
• Community-Centric Solutions: Emphasizes the need for tailored, low-maintenance interventions that empower local communities to sustainably manage health risks associated with environmental changes.
• Quiet Leadership Value: Advocates for recognizing and nurturing different leadership styles in STEM, particularly the strengths of quiet leaders.
• Academic Barriers and Privilege: Discusses systemic challenges faced by diverse groups in academia, encouraging privileged individuals to elevate underrepresented voices.
• Supporting Emerging Scientists: Details the creation of a new award aimed at empowering early-career researchers to innovate and pursue impactful studies.

Find out More:

• Connect with Aparna by email.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

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