Born and raised in Manado, water pollution has been a concern for environmental scientist, Wulan Koagouw. Currently working as a senior researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BRIN), she deals a lot with various aspects of water pollution, from marine environments to freshwater ecosystems. She believes that water pollution is an issue that we need to tackle now before it’s too late.
Wulan has always been interested in biology since she was 12 years old. She studied Biology at Universitas Sam Ratulangi and started working as a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences. “I was recruited in the conservation unit in Sulawesi, which nurtured something in me to learn about the water ecosystem. I started looking into marine organisms and the effect of what happened to them,” she explained.
Then, she decided to continue her studies at the University of Brighton. Wulan got a Master of Research degree in Biosciences and a Doctor of Philosophy title in Ecotoxicology.
Studying in the UK has been an eye-opening experience for her. “Everything is different from Manado. My time in the UK doing research and making friends has really enriched my experience. It is really about the mindset,” said Wulan.
Being a woman in STEM has come with its unique challenges. First, she has to balance taking care of her family in Manado and working as a researcher in Jakarta. In fact, Wulan explained: “Being an Indonesian woman, we have to admit that there is a lot of stereotyping and unconscious bias with cultural expectations. The thing about unconscious bias is that it negates the efforts that have been made toward gender equality.”
Even though there are many women scientists, women are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making role. Some have made the argument that there are fewer women in leadership roles because women will become mothers and take care of the family. “Which I disagree, because taking care of a family should not be the burden of just the woman,” continued Wulan.
From her personal experience, Wulan’s role as a project leader can often get disregarded. A few months ago, she went on a field trip and encountered some team members who were unfamiliar with her and had never seen her before. “When asking where to go or we’re making decisions in the field, some people would always ask the guy,” she explained frustratingly. Wulan said that only after the fifth site, one of the people that downplayed her role came to apologise. “He didn’t really know that I am the leader. The conversation then got really different, where he said it is very rare for a woman to lead a group of men,” continued Wulan.
So, how do we accelerate breaking the stereotype and changing the unconscious bias? As someone who has worked in STEM for over 11 years, Wulan wants to show other women in the industry that they can be leaders as well.
“Right now, I’m working in water pollution, but I can only generate data in my current role as a scientist. I know that it is important data, so we need more science-based policy. This is what I can contribute,” explained Wulan.
Her long-term goal is to mainstream and strengthens science-based policy in Indonesia. Clean water is crucial for human survival. "Government needs to have the tools to manage water supplies and address water pollution. My contribution to this issue is providing the data necessary for the government to develop science-based policies," she continued. Water pollution is a complex issue which requires sustained and multi-faceted efforts to tackle it as well as actions from the government and communities at large.
Her message to fellow women who work in the STEM fields and those who aspire to:
“be passionate about what you do. There are so many cultural expectations around us. Whatever the unconscious bias you find in your workplace, don’t let it stop you from pursuing your dreams,” shared Wulan.
