Alise Fox, an Australian mathematician, fisheries scientist, and science communicator, shares how a winding path through teaching, biomechanics, and pavement engineering led her to become a “mathmafishian” — using data to understand fish populations and support sustainable fishing policies.
In conversation with host Sam East, Alise reflects on the power of “side quests” in shaping a career, from studying mushrooms with local mycology groups to painting the fish she researches for scientific reports.
She also discusses her experience as a woman in STEM with late-diagnosed neurodivergence, how creativity and curiosity fuel better science communication, and why asking questions is a powerful tool for building confidence.
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