Dr Tahsha Say

Tahsha has managed multiple research projects throughout all stages of the research lifecycle, from project conception, design and implementation through to administration and management, whilst completing her PhD and as a Research Administration Officer. Her PhD involved animal collection and behavioural experiments through to interrogating the genome, requiring substantial field, laboratory, computational and statistical components. Whilst working with a non-model marine organism, Tahsha developed the problem solving, scientific creativity and practical skills necessary to solve challenging biological and computational problems.

Tahsha enjoys leveraging her scientific creativity, analytical and computational skills on a daily basis, to achieve results in the policy space.  

What were you researching before you started as a Science Policy Fellow?

My PhD explored the molecular mechanisms underlying larval settlement and metamorphosis, a critical ecological and developmental transition for most marine invertebrates. My research involved animal collection and behavioural experiments through to interrogating the genome. Therefore, when I wasn’t working in the laboratory or on a computer, I was lucky enough to be working in the field on the Great Barrier Reef.

How has your research background helped you contribute to policy development?

Working with a non-model biological system allowed me to develop the problem solving, scientific creativity and practical skills necessary to solve challenging biological and computational problems. This program has offered an unrivalled opportunity for me to apply my transferable skills in the complex space of policy analysis and development. I leverage my communication, problem solving and analytical skills on a daily basis to achieve results within a dynamic environment. 

How has the program changed your career aspirations?

This program has opened my eyes to the important relationship between science and policy development. I really enjoy being able to apply my scientific thinking, creativity and analytical skills in the policy space, and I am excited about the possibilities that this program has to offer. 

What is your favourite part about working in a policy role in the Australian Public Service?

I really enjoy facing new and interesting challenges in the complex space of policy analysis and development. Society and the world are changing rapidly, and with these changes science is becoming even more important. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to the policy process, applying my scientific knowledge and research experience, to give rise to meaningful outcomes for Australia.