RG x RACI_EmpoweringtheFutureofSTEM_singlepages300dpi - Book - Page 14
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E L E A N O R B E i DAT S C H ●
PA L A E O N TO LO G i S T
F
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ifty million years ago, whales and dolphins lived on land,” a voice
explained. “Over time, their limbs shrank, and their tails grew wider
and more powerful . . .” At nine years old, Eleanor stared at the screen. Her eyes
were wide, and her brain was buzzing as the narrator described how whales and
dolphins left land behind to live in the sea.
This video introduced Eleanor to palaeontology, the study of fossilised animals
and plants. It also changed her life.
Eleanor was born with a rare condition called spinal muscular atrophy. It causes
extreme muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. Using technology such as
a power wheelchair and speech-to-text software, she has studied marine
biology and become a journalist. Now, she’s getting her master’s degree in
palaeontology. She’s using her sharp mind and keen powers of observation to
explore what plant and animal fossils can tell us about life in the past.
Uncovering ancient fossils often takes place in remote places with rugged
terrain. It is not a wheelchair-friendly activity! With help from some dedicated
family and friends, Eleanor went on a dig in 2016. On her first day, she found a
perfectly preserved seashell that had turned into black opal over 110 million years.
“It was such an amazing rush,” she said, “when I saw it gleaming in a pile of rubble
resting on my wheelchair tray.”
Going on the dig was exciting. But Eleanor can do her research from home.
She analyses super-high-resolution scans of ancient specimens on her computer.
In this way, she identifies new species and helps build clearer pictures of what life
was like millions of years ago.
Just as whales and dolphins underwent a major transformation so long ago,
science and technology are always evolving. As Eleanor pursues her dream
career, she will be right there, using exciting new tools to contribute to science.
BORN 1993
AUSTRALi A
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