Make a Difference Through a Career in Science
Posted on August 13th, 2025
More than 10 years ago, FBA Environment Project Officer Adam Bates was inspired to pursue a career in science and has since contributed to projects that support the health of our natural environment.
Adam’s moment of inspiration came while travelling through Queensland, when he was invited to a ranger’s residence in Taunton National Park near Dingo.
“The ranger was doing conservation work with the bridled nail-tailed wallaby, and I asked him how I could get into the field,” he said.
“He told me a Bachelor of Natural Science would get me a foot in the door. So, I decided that’s what I would go and study.”
After studying a Bachelor of Natural Science and Environmental Management majoring in Aquatic Biology, Adam applied for a job at FBA.
“Coincidently, FBA was working on a bridled nail-tail wallaby conservation program,” he said.
In recognition of National Science Week from 9-17 August, we’re recognising all the incredible scientists at FBA and highlighting Adam, who started his career at FBA in 2025.
Here’s a message from Adam about what he loves most about working at FBA, along with his advice for anyone considering a career in science:
Adam is passionate about increasing biodiversity and protecting threatened ecosystems.
He is actively involved in Fitzroy landscape repair projects, where he is responsible for identifying key sites for gully and streambank interventions aimed at reducing sediment impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. He is also involved in an exciting project that aims to improve the understanding of King Blue Grass (Dichanthium queenslandicum) and fill knowledge gaps.
He said he loves working at FBA because it allows him to apply the knowledge he gained at university and lead projects that make a real difference.
“Science is an exciting field. You get to do a range of things from being out in the field, studying, meeting new people, and completing projects. You really get to see at the end of a project the contribution you have made to conservation,” he said.
Click here to learn more about job opportunities at FBA.
