Macquarie University PhD Student Vanessa Pirotta from the Department of Biological Sciences has won a spot in the 2018 FameLab national finals in Perth this Thursday 10 May.

FameLab is a live science communication event where PhD students present their research in three minutes.

Vanessa is one of 12 finalists competing for the national title, which includes a $1000 prize and a trip to the UK to present at the international finals.

Vanessa’s research project investigates the use of drones to collect health information from free swimming whales. Collection of whale blow/snot is done via a custom-built waterproof drone installed with a petri dish.

Vanessa’s research is revolutionising the way scientists collect health information from whales. Previous methods to collect health information from whales came from those that washed up on a beach, in which case their health was compromised, or from those that were deliberately hunted. Current methods involve close boat approaches using a pole.

Australia’s Science Channel will livestream the event on the FameLab site, so to watch Vanessa and the rest of the finalists in action.