Olivia Congdon

Writer | Science Communicator

Australia

I am a multi-skilled communications professional and graduate of University of Tasmania; (majors include Journalism, Media and Communications & Zoology). I'm passionate about travel, nature, the arts, media, human rights and animal welfare.

Originating from a rural property in Southern New South Wales, I developed an interest in journalism working for Southern Riverina News, a newspaper with a circulation of approximately 2000. At university I continued to thrive in communications roles, editing the annual publication for my accommodation college, and acting as Communications Officer, and later as Print Editor for the UTAS premier student magazine, Togatus.

I now live in Canberra, where I work in communications for the Australian Academy of Science. I previously worked for the Australian College of Nursing, ACT Writers Centre and the National Library of Australia, all in Canberra. In my spare time, I love photographing nature, particularly birds.

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Portfolio

Science

Curious
12/19/2019
The icky, sticky and quite tricky world of predatory plants

If there's one thing you should learn from carnivorous plants, it's this: when you're in strife, DON'T PANIC. The Venus flytrap ( Dionaea muscipula), the posterplant of carnivorous flora, relies on the panicky nature of its prey to successfully capture it.

Curious
07/29/2020
Don't catch my disease

Ebola. COVID-19. Avian influenza. SARS. Zika virus. What do these infectious diseases all have in common? They all originated in animals before they infected humans. They're not the only ones either. In fact, around 60 per cent of infectious diseases in people are zoonotic.

Curious
06/18/2020
Brew up some coffee chemistry

There's a lot going on in your cup of coffee. All those complex and varied taste sensations, the aroma, the 'mouthfeel' or texture of the brew-they all contribute to your overall experience of consuming the drink. And those elements are each the result of some interesting underlying chemistry.

Science Matters
Big data for big change

Science Matters magazine is packed with good news stories and highlights the impact of partnerships and philanthropic giving at the Australian Academy of Science. From supporting early-career researchers to staging world-class science events, the magazine delves into stories of discovery and inspiration from the past year.

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)
12/17/2019
A space for diverse ideas

When things got personally tricky for astronomer Associate Professor Deanne Fisher, she led organisation-wide action-paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive STEMM sector. Space is both personal and epic. It's full of mystery and uncertainty. And riddles to uncover. That's why Associate...

Blogging

Australian College of Nursing
08/17/2018
Blog - Australian College of Nursing

NurseClick is a blog on nursing practice, policy developments and professional issues, run by the Australian of College of Nursing (ACN). I started the blog and managed, sourced, edited and wrote content in 2018.

CAPITAL LETTERS
11/08/2015
ACT Writers Centre Blog

In my role as Communications Officer I edited and managed the ACT Writers Centre Blog in 2015, which included managing the Blogger in Residence program.

Personal Blog
2015
A Traveller at Home

My personal blog about rediscovering the southern Riverina region.

News & Editorial

Environment, travel and culture

The-riotact
05/19/2016
5 To Try: Healthy breakfasts in Braddon

Braddon is known for its good coffee and abundance of bars and brunch venues. But no longer does your breakfast have to be a guilty pleasure. I've compiled this list of healthier breakfasts you can try in Canberra's foodie hotspot.