Phebe Fidge (nèe Rowland)
Class of 2015
Marine Ecologist and Science Communicator
For Phebe Fidge, curiosity about the natural world has grown into a career dedicated to protecting it.
Now working as a marine ecologist, Phebe’s research focuses on the restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems for climate change mitigation whilst supporting biodiversity and communities. Through her research, journalistic work, and policy advocacy, Phebe works at the intersection of science, community engagement and environmental policy. She is passionate about helping communities, policy makers and land managers understand complex scientific concepts to inform evidence-based decision making and long-term environmental stewardship.
When Phebe left QACI, she chose to study Science at the University of Queensland, where she completed her Honours in Marine Ecology and Conservation Biology. While studying, she volunteered with over seven research projects spanning diverse marine ecosystems, championed two citizen science programs, engaged in two paid internships, and spent four years as the Education Program Coordinator at Second Nature Education. Graduating with the UQ Employability Award, she transitioned smoothly into the STEM stream of the Australian Government Graduate Development Program, where she worked across multiple teams in the Australian Fisheries Management Authority before landing a permanent position in the Blue Carbon Policy team at the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. It was through this role that she met Professor Peter Macreadie, who offered her a role with his team at CNPS. Across each role, Phebe has developed a reputation for combining rigorous scientific research with strong communication and stakeholder engagement.
An accomplished science communicator, Phebe is passionate about making research accessible and meaningful beyond academic circles. She recently shared her research on national television, explaining how mangroves and saltmarshes can decrease flooding and crop cover declines in sugar cane fields after tropical cyclones. Phebe has also participated in various radio interviews for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and MMM. She has published popular science articles and perspective pieces through the Global Water Forum as well as national news outlet, Renew Economy. She also contributes regularly to her local independent news bulletin, The Illawarra Flame.
Phebe is also passionate about inclusive youth engagement in environmental decision making. She applies her scientific expertise and stakeholder engagement skills in her voluntary roles as co-chair of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force and Nature & Ecosystems Focal Point for the Children and Youth Major Group to the United Nations Environment Programme. She recently represented these global youth networks at the Asia Pacific Youth Environment Forum in Fiji and the eleventh Our Ocean Conference in Kenya.
Reflecting on her journey, Phebe credits QACI with helping shape the mindset that continues to guide her today. The Academy’s emphasis on inquiry, interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration helped build the confidence to pursue complex challenges and communicate ideas across diverse audiences.
From achieving Dux in 2015 and tutoring IB Biology and English while still a student to now mentoring others as they navigate the first steps in their science careers, Phebe’s story demonstrates the power of combining passion with purpose.
Her advice to current QACI students is simple: "You must find great opportunities, as they will not find you."
"Whether it's art or marine science, lots of people want to do what we do! The people who are competitive and stand out are the ones who create opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them. Ask to be challenged! Make connections with the team you want to work for, show people what you are capable of, and create the career you want. Then, put your whole heart and soul into it, because your passion makes you powerful".