International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a chance to reflect on the significant contributions of women and, as part of this process, to encourage the next generation to pursue their passions and dreams.
At NATA, we have taken this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of two of these women – Jennifer Evans, NATA CEO, and Donna-May Hawke, a NATA Lead Accreditation Specialist.
Jennifer Evans
Jennifer Evans has been an integral part of NATA and its success since she joined as a Scientific Officer in 1987.
Since this time, she has played a pivotal role in advancing accreditation programs across diverse fields including developing programs in forensic science and medical imaging. Her expertise and leadership have taken her from pioneering paternity testing accreditation to conducting training at the FBI’s forensic laboratory quality group at Quantico in the United States.
Today, as NATA CEO, Jennifer continues to champion innovation and excellence, driving significant organisational changes that have strengthened accreditation service delivery and stakeholder engagement. She has, and continues to hold, prominent roles on international committees – including being the current Chair of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) – the world’s largest regional cooperation of accreditation bodies.
Jennifer’s inputs and experience have made a significant impact in shaping accreditation practices globally and she is a powerful example of women succeeding in scientific endeavour.
Donna-May Hawke
After leaving school at 15, Donna-May, in her adult years, decided to follow her love for science while raising her children as a single mother.
Determined to improve her prospects, Donna-May earned her High School Certificate and pursued a Bachelor of Science, ultimately transferring into a forensic science program through hard work and perseverance. Volunteering for five years, she built a reputation that led to a Forensic Investigator role with South Australian Police, followed by a position with Victorian Police.
Here, she was one of 10 forensic experts selected from around Australia and New Zealand to assist with bridging the gap associated with jurisdictional differences. Her expertise earned her national and international certification as one of Australia’s 20 Certified Forensic Experts.
At NATA, Donna-May now focuses on accreditation, helping to define standards and ensure laboratories meet their commitments. Her extensive background in forensic science enables her to make meaningful contributions to Australia’s technical infrastructure. Donna-May’s story reminds us that success isn’t always about a perfect start but about persistence and belief in oneself.
Her advice? Embrace opportunities, work your way up, and trust the process. “Never give up,” she says. “You can achieve anything if you want it enough.”
Despite the progress exemplified by leaders like Jennifer and Donna-May, gender disparities in STEM persist. According to the 2024 STEM Equity Monitor, only 37 per cent of university STEM enrolments are from women, and women represent just 15 per cent of all people working in STEM jobs.
Jennifer and Donna-May’s stories remind us of the profound impact women have on science and the importance of supporting diverse pathways to success. On this day, we celebrate their achievements and the inspiration they provide to others in the field.