What did you do directly after school? Studies, travel, living etc

In 2012 I moved straight to Townsville to start my degree in marine biology at James Cook University. I was one of those lucky people that always knew what they wanted to do so I didn’t take any time off for a gap year. I’ve also been lucky now in that I have got to travel around Australia, as well as the world, for my research and work.

What you studied at University and graduation news etc

In 2014 I completed my Bachelor of Science degree majoring in marine biology (advanced) for which I was awarded an academic medal. In 2016 I completed my honours which explored the interactions between surgeonfishes, sediments and algal turfs on coral reefs. I was awarded a 1st class honours for this research. After my honours I then worked as a research assistant in the Reef Fish Ecology and Evolution Lab at James Cook University before being awarded a scholarship to commence my PhD in 2019.

What are you doing currently?

Currently I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions at James Cook University, Townsville. My PhD explored the functioning of future coral reefs with a specific focus on their productivity and how this interacts with fishes and sediments. Essentially, this work is acknowledging that the status quo for coral reefs has changed dramatically in recent years, with many reefs now existing in highly-altered configurations. However, these highly-altered reefs can still be productive and function in a manner that provides the services on which we depend. My work explores this potential capacity of highly-altered reefs in more detail. This work means I generally spend around two months each year in the field, mainly at Lizard Island and Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef. When I’m not in the field I’m generally in the lab or in the office writing scientific research papers. To-date I have published 31 research articles in international scientific journals on a wide-range of topics, ranging from the global conservation of coral reefs and the impacts of stressors such as coral bleaching and sediments on reef functioning, to the morphology of fishes and how this shapes what they do on reefs.

What challenges you faced post-school, and even post-uni?

One of my biggest challenges after school was moving to a new place where I didn’t know many people. During this time I struggled to find my feet, however, over time I built up a group of friends and got on the right path. I was lucky to have great support from my family, as well as from David and Orpha Bellwood who teach a number of the marine biology subjects at James Cook University.

Academically, after my undergraduate degree at university, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is with the quality of my writing. During school I was never really into English as I didn’t think it would be too important for me in Marine Biology. I was very wrong about this, and writing research papers has now become a major part of my life. I had to work a lot on this skill, however, I now look forward to writing as it is how I disseminate my research to a wider audience.

What were your interests during school… sport, music etc and are you still involved?

In terms of sports during school, I was into boxing and I was on the school rugby team. However, my primary interests were diving and aquariums. I’ve been lucky enough now that my main interests have become part of my research and work. I now hold a divemaster and commercial diving ticket and have completed around 500 dives around the world.

What are your highlights from school, teachers, programs etc?

The standout highlight would have to be the Heron Island field trip in marine studies with Brad Bowen and Brad Spring. I always knew that I wanted to do marine biology but this trip added to my enthusiasm and I have many fond memories of this trip. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at St Andrews, I had a great group of mates and the teachers were very supportive.