Sharon Bowen

Bachelor of Environmental Biology

Masters of Science, Plant Ecology
NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW) - Senior Environmental Scientist

What I do now:
"I am a Team Leader in the Rivers and Wetlands Unit which is within the Water and Coastal Science Section of DECCW. I am part of a very exciting project that is mapping the vegetation of the iconic inland floodplain wetlands of NSW.

The management of water resources is always a hot topic in Australia, never more so than now and, unfortunately our wetlands have been degraded over decades due to drought and land clearing. Climate change is an important compounding factor. At DECCW we are looking at the whole floodplain ecosystem so that water can be better managed. As an environmental scientist and UTS graduate I am very proud to have the opportunity to help Australian governments sustainably allocate water resources.

The work I’ve been doing has already been used to help inform policy in the Murray Darling Basin Authority Plan and to identify endangered species. I also work with landholders, like graziers, to help them preserve the wetlands for the benefit of their animals and the environment.

The job involves getting out into the field regularly and also using the latest high resolution digital imagery technology."

Future career path:
"I must love UTS because I have started a part-time PhD in the Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3)! This, plus a job I love, will keep me very busy for the next few years."

Find out more about Bachelor of Environmental Biology course.