Five Women in Science - Dr Anu Kumar
/International Day of Women in Science
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International Day of Women in Science I
As part of International Day of Women in Science this year, we would like to highlight five women from five different states to share their experiences working in science.
Throughout the years, our team has worked with many remarkable Australian women in science, and this year we have interviewed five of them to find out what makes them tick. These women have been inspiring and motivating our team to push ourselves and strive for excellence in our own work. They have been role models for so many of us, and their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. We are proud to feature their stories and celebrate their successes.
Meet the fourth Women in Science, Dr Anu Kumar is the Principal Research Scientist, Industry Environments Program at CSIRO Environment.
Dr Anu Kumar from CSIRO Environment, SA
Dr Anu Kumar
Principle Research Scientist, Industry Environments Program, CSIRO Environment
“I would like to apply metagenomics to monitor and identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in diverse environments, contributing to the understanding of the global landscape of resistance. ”
What made you choose a career in science? Did you have any specific role models?
During my childhood, I gained insights into sustainability while embarking on extended train journeys with my family in India. Reflecting on the times I crossed river bridges; I distinctly recall observing rice paddies and ponds near each household with farmers fishing in these ponds. During holidays in northern India with our grandparents and extended family, the mornings were accompanied by the sounds of doves and peacocks. However, my perspective began to shift when I joined university as an undergraduate student. Each monsoon, I noticed a dwindling number of frogs croaking and birds chirping. Rachel Carson served as an inspiration during my formative years. These small yet significant observations motivated me to pursue a career in environmental sciences.
I delved into Zoology and later pursued a Ph.D. at Macquarie University, focusing on assessing pesticide impacts in New South Wales cotton-growing regions. In 2002, as a Post-Doc, CSIRO provided an opportunity to further my scientific journey and learn from esteemed role models at Waite ((Dr Mike McLaughlin and Dr Rai Kookana).
What are you working on at the moment and how does AGRF support this work?
The detection of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, tire chemicals, PFAS, and plastic pollution may have impacts on the environment affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health due to their persistence and potential for harmful effects. Currently, my focus revolves around unravelling the mechanisms of toxicity posed by emerging contaminants on biota. This involves conducting multiple omics studies to comprehensively investigate the impact. AGRF is playing a crucial role in supporting my work by providing their state-of-the-art Next Generation Sequencing services, including library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Metagenomics contributes significantly to our understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by identifying resistance genes, characterising microbial diversity, monitoring environmental reservoirs, predicting emerging threats, studying gene transfer mechanisms and assessing human activities' impact. We have recently commenced our collaboration with Uni-SA and AGRF on addressing this issue.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years of your career?
We need to give a higher priority to work on model organisms with complete genome data available. Knowledge on molecular mechanisms of chemical toxicity and diseases in mammals has been speedily and significantly advanced due to the joint effort of scientists to concentrate on limited model species: mouse, rat, and human. To build a more comprehensive environmental omics database and make omics information more applicable to environmental management, I am working with my colleagues at CSIRO and AGRF as a joint effort to accomplish more by focusing on the native species (such as water fleas, shrimp and fish) for omics-based research.
I would like to apply metagenomics to monitor and identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in diverse environments, contributing to the understanding of the global landscape of resistance. Within five years, we anticipate our collaboration would foster partnerships with researchers from diverse fields, integrating metagenomics with other disciplines such as environmental science, medicine, and biotechnology.
Is there any scientific field, outside of your own, that you believe needs more attention?
The concept of a circular economy needs more attention, this is an innovative and sustainable approach to resource management. In a circular economy, the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose" is replaced with a system that emphasises reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. The circular economy represents an interdisciplinary approach that involves not only environmental science but also fields like materials science, engineering, economics, and policy development. It is important for researchers in these fields to understand each other’s language. To make progress, we need to work together, form partnerships, and mentor young minds.
In your opinion, what changes are needed to attract more girls and women into science?
To attract more girls and women into science, work on their passion, confidence, and leadership qualities. Various strategies may include:
· Inspire girls in science early! Fun programs break stereotypes. Make science exciting, like weekend music lessons and sports.
· Turn science into games! challenges with competition spark achievement and enthusiasm.
· Science festivals, like music or sports events, make learning social and fun. Demos, workshops, and exhibits entertain and educate.
· Mix science with art! Blend music and visual arts for a creative and engaging experience.
· Explore science outdoors! Nature walks, star-gazing, and eco-adventures make science an enjoyable weekend pursuit.
· Science stars shine! Collaborate with famous scientists for events, just like musicians or sports stars.
· Connect girls with mentors! Programs linking them to successful female scientists offer guidance and a supportive community.
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AGRF has ISO17025 (Biological Testing) and also ISO15189 (Medical Testing) accreditation for nucleic acid extractions. The more “exotic” sample types are processed manually at our Adelaide Node by highly experienced technicians, while routine high-throughput extractions are provided nationally using a range of automated platforms. If you are considering outsourcing RNA extractions, it’s a good idea to get in touch early in the process. How you collect and store your samples prior to extraction is critical to a cost-effective and high-quality outcome. AGRF will apply multiple QC measures to your RNA prior to sequencing, and will discuss the findings and optimal sequencing options with you as the project proceeds. It isn’t always possible to be 100% sure of the quality of archived tissue samples, so we actively encourage undertaking pilot projects to test the integrity of a few representative samples, making early contact essential. AGRF provides mRNA and Whole Transcriptome Illumina (short-read) RNA sequencing services and PacBio (long-read, whole transcript, iso-form) sequencing applicable to all organisms and sample types.
