Kerryn Lester-Smith, a Research and Development Specialist at Bawon Water
Barwon Water are proud to spotlight some of the exceptional women driving innovation in water science and engineering.
Working in an area that combines a passion for environment and its relationship with human uses of water helps get Mariah Sampson “out of bed every day”.
Dr Sampson was sponsored to complete a PhD in Aquatic Ecology, focusing on a willow removal and riparian revegetation project in the Upper Barwon catchment.
“I’m really excited that I get to use my studies in my everyday work,” the catchment and waterways analyst said.
“For other women who are interested in science, I think there’s room for everyone and new perspectives makes science better.”
Kerryn Lester-Smith is bringing her perspectives and initiatives to help drive the region’s circular economy
A Research and Development Specialist at Barwon Water, she leads a project in partnership with Deakin University called the Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH).
Alongside this, she oversees the Student Water Innovation Showcase (SWISH) at Deakin, which supports final-year engineering students to work on real-world water sector challenges.
This pathway has been influential for Darcy Plumridge, who was awarded the top SWISH student of 2025 for her research on water quality and nitrogen fluxes at Lake Colac.
“Here at Barwon Water, we have so many wonderful and innovative women working in different fields,” Ms Plumridge, an Infrastructure Planning Engineer, said.
“it’s so exciting to work besides so many different technical experts and leaders and show that women can be in these different types of roles.”
