Q: What “day to day” type activities that you do?
The best part about a PhD is the flexibility and variety of what you do every day. It is entirely self-driven, allowing you to fill your time with research that ignites your passion and interest. Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows; some periods involve long hours and hard work. For example, I find the intensive reading and writing periods challenging. However, my day-to-day then shifts to orchestrating large-scale fieldwork campaigns, which is what I love about being an ecologist. I spend a lot of time exploring different analysis techniques or solving unexpected problems that arise along the way. It can be challenging at times, but with so many different skills to work on, whether it’s writing, fieldwork, analysing, or public speaking, no one day is the same. Looking back over the last year, I am amazed at how much I have achieved.
Q: What pathway did you take to get into the research?
After completing my Honours in 2018, I pivoted from traditional research. I ventured into land management, working as a Forest Fire Fighter for several years. This hands-on experience provided me with invaluable insights into industry practices and land management, laying the groundwork for my interest in fire ecology.
I leveraged my fire experience to get a fire ecologist role with the Conservation Ecology Centre. Over two years, I conducted research on fire and ecosystem dynamics, deepening my understanding of ecological processes in fire-affected landscapes. The transition into a PhD was a natural extension of my previous research. Whilst my journey may deviate from the conventional path, I found the practical knowledge and experience gained through working in land management has forever changed the lens of how I approach research for the better.
Q: Who are you collaborating with outside of your supervisors?
It is important to me that I show respect for Traditional Knowledge and values when working in the fire ecology space. Since much of my research centres around fire management on Gadubanud Country, ensuring Traditional Owners remain informed and involved in my project was a priority. For this reason, I enlisted the support and guidance of the Threatened Species Officer from Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in the form of being my industry supervisor. As the native title holders in my study area, their insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the direction of my research. If having a particular voice present throughout your PhD journey is important to you, I recommend seeking out somebody who brings this knowledge to the table.
Q: How will your work impact real world management decisions?
A research priority for me is to ensure that my work has a tangible impact on real-world land management decisions. A diverse working group comprising public land managers, Traditional Owners, and researchers is focused on using fire as a strategic tool to restore culturally significant ground parrot Country in the western Otways region. To achieve this goal, the working group has initiated an experimental burning program aimed at reducing woody shrub encroachment in wet heathlands. My research plays a crucial role in this endeavour by evaluating the effectiveness of the experimental burning program across ecological, cultural, and fuel management dimensions.
Q: Does your scholarship cover your living expenses?
To put it plainly, transitioning from full-time employment to living off a stipend initially seemed daunting in terms of financial stability. While adjustments and sacrifices were necessary, I’ve found it manageable overall. Finding affordable housing or exploring alternative living arrangements has been key to making ends meet. Additionally, taking advantage of casual work opportunities provided by the university has helped supplement my income. While it’s not without its challenges, I have been able to navigate the financial aspects of living on a scholarship during my PhD. There are definitely a lot more homemade smashed avo breakies though.
