Elsie Percival
I am a Canberra based science communicator who works at the intersection of science and art. I am passionate about the creative communication of conservation science, as well as bringing the beauty of remote environments to people who cannot access them. I explore various creative avenues to communicate these passions, and have a diverse set of professional skills including graphic design, storytelling, writing, social media management, exhibition, place-based interpretation development and community engagement.
Originally I studied zoology and marine science at the Australian National University where I developed an interest in biological illustration, and continued to dip into art history and painting studies. I then went on to work in the remote Kimberley and other parts of Northern Australia in the field of conservation. With an interest in the communicative power of art, and the importance of wildlife conservation, I moved to New Zealand to combine these two areas in a Science Communication Masters project. This involved staging an exhibition on Stewart Island/Rakiura to engage the community with conservation methods, and provide a space for them to celebrate local birdlife.
After living and working remotely in parts of Australia, California, New Guinea and New Zealand I moved to Canberra to work as Communications Manager for Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Here I elevated the profile of these two city-based sanctuaries and used their stories to reconnect people with nature. Developing a recognisable brand, events, tours, place-based interpretation and a strong online community, I helped to leverage our social standing and secure funding for a conservation engagement centre.
From 2019-2020 I worked as a Communications Officer for the Science, Health and Medicine Colleges of the Australian National University, transforming social media engagement, building new online communities and strategically engaging audiences to showcase the scientific achievements of the ANU, as well as recruit new students.
From 2020-2021 I worked as the Communications Manager for the Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment. Here I utilised my storytelling, illustration and design skills to communicate complex scientific investigations for the public.
I am now working as a freelance science communicator, looking for exciting opportunities to integrate nature and science into the everyday, and to tell inspiring stories in an effort to make real change.