Erin Bomati, PhD, is a dedicated research professional with extensive experience in genomics applications and a profound passion for marine conservation and education. Erin’s journey in science has taken her from the greater San Diego area, where she contributed to groundbreaking enzyme research and development (R&D) at Illumina, to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Currently, Erin is the Field Operations Lead at Citizens of the Sea, an organization connecting seafarers and scientists to protect the oceans. She also previously led Science Educational Outreach for Sails for Science NZ, engaging the next generation in environmental stewardship. Here Erin offers her perspective on transitioning from a science career in the US to one in New Zealand.
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced when transitioning to an international scientific career, and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning to an international scientific career in New Zealand required overcoming challenges, including understanding the scientific community structure, accommodating cultural considerations, and navigating a smaller, more interconnected scientific ecosystem. It was challenging to identify the key players and organizations in the scientific community structure, and how they interconnected was quite different from San Diego. The adjustments happened gradually, for instance learning about and respecting mātauranga Māori, Maori traditional knowledge, alongside western science. I overcame those challenges over time with the help of some amazing colleagues who helped me understand the scientific and cultural landscape in the region.
What advice would you give to other women in science who are considering pursuing international opportunities, but may be hesitant or unsure where to start?
For those considering a transition from a scientific career in the US to one outside the US, it’s important to focus on the ability to contribute creatively and collaboratively.
- Once you’re committed to a move, don’t be afraid to have conversations with your current employer. I was very upfront with the management. I said, “I really love this organization but I am planning to move to New Zealand in the next few years. Can we talk about opportunities that there might be within the organization, or perhaps within the wider Illumina ecosystemm abroad?” Thanks to this direct communication, I was eventually able to move into a customer-facing role with Illumina, working remotely from New Zealand.
- Develop and expand your professional network. In New Zealand, for sure, but regardless of where you are, networks are incredibly important. The opportunities I’ve had have come through colleagues, not job postings.
- Be flexible about potential roles. In a place like San Diego, there’s so many opportunities you can afford to be really narrow. But in other areas, there aren’t as many [R&D] opportunities. If you can think of other ways you use your strengths to contribute, then you have a broader net to cast.
- Don’t be afraid to directly reach out to organizations. We had somebody reach out with a really compelling email: “I’m really interested in you guys for these reasons, if you think of a way I can contribute, like, please let me know.” The match turned out to be so good my organization hired the candidate, even though we had not been openly seeking.
How has your international experience shaped your perspective on scientific collaboration and innovation, particularly regarding gender diversity in STEM?
New Zealand has a long history of women in the highest levels of leadership but like the US we still see pay gaps and patchy caregiver support, which means that women are definitely under-represented in the mid- and senior levels. I do see momentum building for change, workplace flexibility is improving and companies are consciously considering diversity when building teams. At Citizens of the Sea, when we formed our scientific advisory panel we made representation non-negotiable—gender-balanced and culturally diverse so it reflects our community. The lesson from working across countries is simple: inclusion drives innovation. When teams reflect the communities we serve, we ask better questions, catch blind spots early, and build solutions people actually use.
How has working outside the US opened up career paths you hadn’t considered or couldn’t have pursued in the US?
In the US, I never felt like there would be an opportunity to make a pivot from a protein biochemist at a genomics company into marine conservation. In New Zealand, the scientific community is small and well-interconnected, so it’s agile and people are open minded; cross-disciplinary collaboration isn’t optional—it’s how the work gets done.
While working for Illumina, I was talking to a customer who is marine biologist and she helped me brainstorm ideas for a grant to do a science outreach program using genomics in schools. My grant application was successful and led to traveling around schools, collecting environmental DNA, and doing science outreach. Now I’m Field Operations Manager for Citizens of the Sea, a nonprofit organization working largely in the Southwest Pacific, equipping boats to collect environmental DNA and track marine biodiversity in the region.
It’s a great example of how a smaller, more interconnected scientific community can provide more flexible and interdisciplinary career opportunities compared to US biotech centers. In New Zealand, it’s less about what your scientific pedigree is, and more about your creativity, innovative spirit, and ability to collaborate across groups.
Do you have any closing thoughts for AWIS readers?
I encourage AWIS readers to be visible, share their experiences, and help demystify scientific careers for younger generations. Just being out there in the community and talking to people…helps bring up gender equity and encourage people to imagine themselves in a career in STEM. Explore different types of work, such as I have by working in marine conservation. Consider getting involved in the nonprofit community, whether that’s volunteering to do citizen science, volunteering to coach people in the nonprofit sector, or talking to schools.
Read about other women who have explored a global pathway.
Georgina To’a Salazar, PhD, works to create innovative solutions in science communication, research, and policy. With a BS in chemical engineering from Stanford University and a PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Salazar has fulfilled her dream of exploring the world, having taken research positions in Singapore and Japan before returning to the United States to focus on science communication. She currently works as a freelance scientific writer through her small business, Redwood Scientific Communications, LLC.