Local Person: Margo Adler

by Stephanie Williams

As a native New Yorker, scientist Margo Adler has found her feet, and heart, in Hobart.

Where in Hobart do you live? I live in sunny South Hobart. Well, sometimes sunny.

What’s the best thing about Hobart? The people. And the fact that I live within walking distance to town, but if we forget to close our gate, the wallabies come in and munch on our veggie garden. It’s a bit annoying, but when I tell my family in New York about this, they think I’m living in a David Attenborough documentary.

And the worst? The public transportation (or lack thereof).

Tell us a little about your work? I’m an evolutionary biologist, but it’s been about six years since I’ve actually done any research. I started Beaker Street in 2016 because I wanted to create engaging social events around science, and it unexpectedly turned into a full-time job. Now we have an annual festival (Beaker Street Festival) with a hub at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a raucous celebration of science and arts, with more than 150 scientists on hand, excellent booze and food, live music in an underground Speakeasy, and much more.

How has the festival (and Hobart!) evolved since 2016? The Festival has grown from a two-night affair at TMAG to a more-than-week-long bonanza that spans most of the state. Hobart has changed a lot too, so I hear. I wouldn’t really know because of children.

What are you looking forward to most at this year’s festival? The Dark Sky Party at Spring Bay Mill, which is going to be amazing, and that’s all I’m going to say about it for now.

What excites you most in the science world right now? The fact that labs all over the world managed to work together to develop Covid vaccines in record time, which I hope will boost people’s respect for science, and the technology that’s been proven through this effort might also be a huge leap forward for vaccines for other diseases.

You’re originally from New York. How did you find your way to Hobart? I lived in Sydney for 8 years, where I did my PhD and met my partner, who’s from here. After we came down a few times to visit, I knew this was the place to start Beaker Street. People always say how different Hobart must be from New York, but New Yorkers are really friendly (much more so than they get credit for), and the friendliness of the people here makes me feel at home.

I’m inspired by… water. If I’m ever stuck for ideas, or need to change my frame of mind, there’s nothing better than a swim. If that’s not available, a bath or shower is pretty good too.

What do you love doing outside work? Swimming (or gazing longingly at the water when it’s too cold and feeling like a wimp), having a glass of wine and drinking copious amounts of tea.

Where’s your favourite Hobart eatery? Bar Wa Izakaya for vegetarian ramen and Salamanca Cream for a dark chocolate Affogato afterwards

Drink of choice and where do you head for it? A bottle of the best clean skin Tassie Pinot money can buy from Cool Wine.

Guilty pleasure? Reading the New York Times on my phone in the morning while my long-suffering partner gets the kids ready for daycare

What do you never leave home without? Well I recently bought a bag to fill with all the things I need to get out of the house, because it takes me so long to leave. But I haven’t managed to put anything in it yet.

I’d like to travel to…New York City to eat sushi with my sister.

If I didn’t live in Hobart I’d live…in Barcelona or New Orleans.

Favourite Hobart secret? There’s a thylacine that lives on the Rivulet Track and eats blackberries.

Where to next? I wouldn’t mind getting off the island for a week one of these days. A holiday somewhere warm sounds like a dream.

Quote to live by? “Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.” – Oscar Wilde

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Extras

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

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Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!