Rebecca Prince-Ruiz
Executive Director and Founder, Plastic Free July Foundation
My journey since studying at UWA certainly didn't evolve as I had planned. Due to a death in my immediate family, plans for overseas work and further study were put on hold. I've worked in government and as a consultant on projects ranging from catchment mapping to community consultation to underwater surveys of abalone populations.
An interest in sustainable living led to working as a waste educator in Perth's western suburbs and starting Plastic Free July. I have since had the opportunity to explore the plastic pollution problem and participate in research expeditions in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Though I've never worked as a scientist, the ability to evaluate information and read research papers has been critical to developing my understanding of the plastic pollution issue and ability to develop big picture solutions.
Read more about Rebecca's story here.