Sue Pillans

I am a Marine Ecologist, Artist and Graphic Recorder who has a great devotion for the ocean and passion for engaging with our youth, as I believe our young are the future stewards of our oceans. I have over 15 years of experience in research and development, marine conservation planning, natural resource management and strategic planning due to the various public policy, research and management roles I have held across Government and Research organizations in Australia. My marine science expertise is in the planning and management of marine protected areas and coastal resources.

I have an alter ego, Dr. Suzie Starfish, who uses art and science storytelling to visually communicate the wonders of the underwater world through imagination, inspiration, illustration and information. Dr Suzie Starfish visits schools to share the stories of marine scientists and their research, using a variety of approaches to explain the art and science of our oceans.

I now run my own creative business as a Graphic Recorder where I combine my training as a marine ecologist with my skills as an artist and strategist to help people, teams and organizations "picture their ideas" through visual storytelling.

As you can see from the many different roles and jobs I have had since completing my PhD (waaaayyy back in 2006) I have taken up the opportunities that have come my way and I have also tried a few things some would consider to be 'out of the box'. Sometimes those decisions were scary and I didn't know how they would turn out, but always follow your passions in life and you will find a way to turn something you love into something you live!