Ensuring my research is translated into on ground action and impact is a personal motivator.  It’s not always successful, but it’s always a goal.  In this TEDx Talk I reflect on my journey trying to bridge the gap between knowing and doing and provide some lessons learned.

TEDx abstract:

Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge. But, when it comes to translating science into policy, knowing doesn’t naturally translate into doing. Inspiring action requires answering the question ‘why’? Closing the gap between knowledge and wisdom starts here, but requires answering one more question, ‘who?’. Through her journeys across northern Australia, Vanessa will talk about how to identify the who and their why to ensure that the best-laid plans translate into action. Vanessa is a lecturer in Conservation Biology at Macquarie University. Vanessa was raised in New Mexico but currently calls Australia home. She has worked in a variety of roles ranging from actuarial analyst for global consulting firm Mercer HR to research scientist at universities. Her varied training and work background influences her research approach and questions which focus on how to design and implement effective biodiversity conservation. She partners with relevant government agencies and NGOs to ensure that her research is relevant to policy makers and is positioned to influence on-ground conservation. Vanessa’s objective throughout her work is to improve the environment and the communities it supports in real and measurable ways. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx